The National Youth Service Corps on Thursday said that 63 corps members in Lagos State would be given punishments ranging from extension to repeat of service for not being on ground.
Cyril Akhanemhe, its state Coordinator, gave the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the low-key passing-out parade of 2014 Batch ‘B’ corps members in Lagos.
Akhanemhe said 5,971 corps members had successfully completed their service and would receive their discharge certificate.
He said 12 corps members absconded from their places of primary assignment, while 51 would receive extension of service.
He said: “The 63 corps members will receive punishment from extension of service to repeat of service.
“We noticed during the one year that they were not on ground and their names were sent to Abuja and they will get their punishment.
“Corps members should serve their nation meritoriously.
“They never can tell what will happen in the future.
“If you serve meritoriously, that is when somebody can recommend you for higher responsibility.
“If you are indolent or insolent, you will be punished for it.
“In all, 99 per cent of our corps members have done well and we are proud.”
The coordinator said five corps members would be given state awards, while six others get commendation letters for their outstanding performance through their community development service.
Akhanemhe said the NYSC would explore the possibility of corps members who received state awards to be given automatic employment by the state government.
“We feel the government should do the needful and employ some of these corps members who have been found outstanding in the service to Lagos,” he said.
Addressing the outgoing corps members, the coordinator asked them to look back at how they had performed in the last one year.
He said: “You have successfully served this nation for one year.
“As you go out into the world, you should ask yourself if you have done the right thing during the service.
“We are happy and proud of these men and women for their great service to the nation.
“They are enthusiastic of moving forward.
“Have you learnt a skill or trade?
“What have you gained after one year?
“If you have taken advantage of the NYSC skill acquisition programme, then you have secured your future, you have achieved something.
“Today, some of you will not be able to sleep, some will engage in alcohol to forget their problem, but after a while, the reality will set in and you will ask yourself: what next?
“But for those who have acquired skill during the one year, they will go to bed happily because they know where their next meal will come from.
“They will be employers of labour and in a very short while become successful.
“I wish you well as you go into the world and thank you for serving this nation in Lagos.”
The coordinator urged the corps members to build on the various skills they had learnt during scheme so that they would become employers of labour.
He said: “We will retrieve your identity card today because your life as corps members has ended and you will go into the world to survive.
“I urge you to be of good conduct even after your service and not bring shame to the scheme.”
Some of the corps members who spoke to NAN commended the Federal Government for giving them a platform to acquire some skills.
One of them, Dr. Franklin Babajide, said he was fulfilled because he was able to affect in the lives of people during the service year.
Babajide said the scheme was still very relevant to the Nigerian system.
He said: “I had a great experience during my service year.
“I am very proud to be part of the scheme.
“As the only medical doctor in the health centre where I was posted to, it was a very great opportunity to provide my service and also impact on the lives of many people in the state.
“It is a great platform for young people to integrate and learn the culture of their country as well as serve their fatherland.”
Another corps member, Amake Uzorchukwu, expressed confidence in the NYSC and urged the Federal Government to enhance security of corps members.
Uzorchukwu said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve my fatherland, learn new cultures, make friends and also acquire a skill.
“In no distant time, I will become an employer of labour with the skill I acquired.
“I will create jobs.”
NAN.