Be patriotic in service, Okorocha tells NYSC members

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has advised Youth Corp members not to reject postings to any part of the country over fear of molestation or the fear of being killed, adding that their postings to various parts of the country to serve should be seen as a call to nation-building.

The governor gave the advice when the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Suleman Kazaure paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri yesterday.

Speaking during the occasion, the governor said that the Corp members should egard their postings to various parts of the country as a test of patriotism, noting too that patriotism is not only in the fear of the law, but equally in the love of one’s country.

He remarked, “even, the greatest love a man can show for his nation is that he dies to save his nation. We must therefore never for reasons of terrorism or cult activities refuse to fight this battle of indivisibility of the nation. We must remain so united. The essence of NYSC is for integration. Our country is going through a very difficult moment and harassment by men of underworld who have organized themselves to humiliate, kill and maim people.”

He continued, “the NYSC members should be bold to stand up and serve their fatherland without fear of terrorism. Time has also come for the NYSC members to begin to receive some forms of military training for reasons of self defence.” He described the DG as a vibrant soldier with integrity and added that Nigeria has been in dire need of men and women of integrity who could contribute their quota to the development of the nation. He charged the DG to see his appointment as an opportunity in life to prove his God-given talent, adding that those who misuse this privilege are called bad leaders.

He expressed optimism that Brigadier-General Kazaure would take advantage of this rare privilege to prove his worth.

General Kazaure had earlier told the governor that he was in the state on familiarization tour to acquaint himself with the situation in the NYSC camp since it was not long when he took over as the Director-General of the corps, commending Governor Okorocha for the befitting camp he is erecting for the NYSC in the state.