No fewer than 775 corps members have completed the national youth service scheme in Gombe, while eight others were said to have absconded and four got an extension.

Speaking at Pantami Township Stadium during the passing-out ceremony of 2021 batch B Stream I, Gombe State Coordinator, Ada Imoni, stated that appropriate punishments have been meted out to the erring Corps members.

Imoni revealed that the disciplinary committee did not only dish out punishments to the 12 corps members based on established bye-laws but also appraised the Community Development Service performance of 13 others for their delivery.

Our correspondent reports that out of the 14 corps members honoured; nine clinched State Governor’s award, while five others for the State Coordinator’s award.

Imoni said, “Your Excellency sir, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, a total of 775 corps members are set to pass out today, out of which eight absconded and four got an extension of service for various offences committed.

“The Corps Disciplinary Committee reviewed Community Development projects executed by Corps members for commendation and honours award and also looked into disciplinary cases.

“The constitution of the committee is to compile a list of outstanding corps members for award and erring corps for discipline in accordance with the NYSC bye-laws.”

The State Coordinator urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to assent to the NYSC Trust Fund bill, adding that it would not only strengthen the scheme but would secure the future of ex-corps members.

“It is no longer news that the two Chambers of the National assembly; the Senate and House of Representatives have passed the bill for the accelerated public hearing and subsequent adoption of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill.

“It is my fervent prayer that Mr President assents to the bill in order to strengthen the operations of the scheme. With the NYSC Trust Fund in place, the question of what next after service year shall be put to rest, as corps members will have start-up capital that will make them great entrepreneurs and employers of labour,” Imoni added.

On his part, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau, urged the 775 ex-corps members to prepare for the future, emphasising that self-reliance was the surest option.

Yahaya explained that with the current economic challenges, white-collar jobs were not backed with security.

The governor said, “Become self-reliant instead of expecting a white-collar job that is non-existent. Knowing is not enough, teach others, as you pass out today. Let me beg you that your religion, culture, is not the universal law of nature, understanding other people’s nature can reduce conflicts.”

Hassan Ajoke, from Offa in Kwara State, who distinguished herself by training over 30 Bolari women in shoemaking, confectioneries, and soapmaking, was crowned as the overall best, out of nine that clinched the state governor’s award.

Ajoke, who was also the first corps camp director during her orientation, said, “I’m elated and thank God for this honour. It has not been easy, I was able to give back to a community that has given me so much over the year.

“In the last year, I have moved around and I have noticed a number of segregated, marginalised people in some households. I started by speaking to my Local Government Inspector, who asked that I go and present it to the Hakimi (local chief), he accepted it and selected about 30 women for me.”

She revealed she used mainly her savings, adding that the funds generated were not enough to complete her entire project.