Prosecute killers of NYSC members, official tells government

• NYSC DG donates wheelchairs to physically-challenged in Kogi

Director of the Abia State Agency For Mass Literacy, Chief Godwin Akara, has called for the summary trial and punishment for anybody or group that endangers the life of a corps member in any part of the country.

He also appealed to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) authorities to revisit the corps members’ conditions of service in line with the prevailing economic realities.

Akara, who spoke at the send-forth party organised by the agency for its ‘ Batch A’ corps members, decried the reported killings of NYSC members during their service year in some parts of the country, lamenting that these acts happened in spite of the fact that “each ethnic group needs the other for Nigeria to progress.”

Congratulating the corps members for their successful service year, he urged them to be at the forefront of the crusade for the peaceful co-existence of all Nigerians anywhere they are.

Speaking on behalf of the corps members, Mr. Sherif Olaitan, commended the director for the successes the agency had recorded, particularly during their service year.

Meanwhile, in line with the National Youth Service Corps policy on Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), the Director -General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Sule Zakari Kazaure, has donated three wheel chairs to physically-challenged persons at the palace of Maigari of Lokoja in Kogi State.

The beneficiaries included: Saidu Ayetu, Hajiya Salamatu Suberu Agaza and Usman Gwagwoya from Idah, Okene and Lokoja respectively.Speaking at the flagging off ceremony of the third edition of HIRD programme in the state, the Kogi state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Ngozi Nwatarali, who represented the Director General, said the donation was part of efforts to assist persons with special needs and to make them feel a sense of belonging.

According to her, the HIRD programme has witnessed huge success in Kogi, with specific impacts on Jimgbe community in Ajaokuta Local Council, and the Ozi community of Koton Karfe Local Council of the state.

The State Coordinator said the initiative was designed to motivate NYSC personnel to provide free health care services to persons in need, adding that the gesture was also in tandem with the new policy of Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello that harps on the importance of healthy living for Kogi indigenes.