The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sanctioned 41 corps members deployed to Bayelsa State for various offenses committed during their national service year.
This development was disclosed by the NYSC State Coordinator in Bayelsa, Mrs. Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, during a low-key passing-out parade held for members of the 2024 Batch B, Stream 1.
According to Mrs. Okpalifo, 14 corps members were penalized with an extension of their service year due to acts of misconduct and violations of the NYSC code of conduct. An additional 27 corps members were recommended for re-mobilisation as a result of absconding or failing to complete their service obligations as stipulated by the scheme.
While some faced sanctions, a few corps members stood out for their exemplary conduct and dedication. The State Coordinator revealed that four (4) corps members were specially commended and awarded Letters of Recommendation from the NYSC State Coordinator, in recognition of their exceptional contributions during their service year.
In her remarks, Mrs. Okpalifo congratulated the outgoing corps members, delivering a goodwill message from the NYSC Director-General, Maj.-Gen. OO Nafiu. The DG, through her, commended the corps members for their selfless and impactful service to Bayelsa State and expressed confidence in their ability to thrive in the future. He extended his best wishes for their continued success beyond the service year.
Mrs. Okpalifo encouraged the corps members to become worthy ambassadors of the NYSC by demonstrating discipline, patriotism, and integrity in all their future endeavors.
She reminded them to make good use of the skills acquired through the SAED (Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development) programme, urging them to channel those skills into meaningful ventures that would sustain them post-service.
The Coordinator also advised the outgoing corps members to overcome post-service anxiety and take full advantage of the personal development opportunities offered by the NYSC. She urged them to remain law-abiding, focused, and resilient in their future pursuits.
In addition, she issued a safety advisory, cautioning corps members to avoid night travel and ensure they board vehicles only from designated motor parks to ensure their safety as they return home.
Mrs. Okpalifo expressed profound gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and the people of Bayelsa for their continued support and for providing an enabling environment for corps members to serve effectively.
She also thanked corps employers and NYSC staff for their mentorship and guidance throughout the service year, which contributed significantly to the positive impact made by the corps members in the state.