The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has commended officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for providing COVID-19 test kits for testing corps members in Gombe State.
Director-General (D-G) of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim gave the commendation on Tuesday while declaring open the Orientation Course for 2022 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 corps members posted to the state.
The low-key ceremony held at the temporary camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
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Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Ada Imoni, the state coordinator of the scheme, also commended health officials in the state for their support so far.
The D-G said with support of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and NCDC, the health of corps members in had been protected during the pandemic.
“I like to commend them for their continued support toward safe and efficient conduct of the Orientation Course within the context of the ‘new normal.’
“Indeed, the sustained provision of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits and sensitisation materials by the NCDC for use in all Orientation Camps is a clear indication of the agency’s interest in the success of the scheme,’’ he said.
Ibrahim also commended officials of the Ministries of Health at both state and federal levels as well as all tertiary health institutions for their support in the areas of COVID-19 prevention and general health services.
He warned corps members against complacency in the fight against COVID-19, adding that the COVID-19 pandemic was far from being over.
“You must, therefore, adhere strictly to the outlined preventive measures such as physical distancing, wearing of face masks and the use of hand washing facilities provided at strategic locations throughout the Orientation.’’
He reiterated the Federal Government’s stance on COVID-19 vaccination as a pre-requisite for gaining entry to public offices, and urged those yet to take the vaccine, to do so without further delay.
According to him, the Federal Government’s stance on no entry will apply to places of primary assignment and other public offices.
“We are sustaining our liaison with the relevant authorities with a view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corps members were sworn in by Acting Chief Judge of the state, Justice Joseph Awak.
A total of 1, 025 corps members comprising 686 males and 339 females are participating in the scheme in the state. (NAN