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Ahmed And His Stamp Of Excellence In NYSC

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By Williams Ochonu

It is said that, “Leadership is often defined by one’s ability to inspire, influence, and drive positive change”. Ahmed’s journey is a testament to this definition, as he seamlessly embodies excellence in every endeavor he undertakes. From his early life to his current role in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),

From a humble beginning, Yushau Dogara Ahmed has emerged as a beacon of excellence in his role as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). With his unwavering dedication and commitment to the betterment of Nigerian youth, Ahmed has left an indelible mark on the NYSC, and has become a symbol of inspiration for generations to come.

Born and raised in a small town in northern Nigeria, Ahmed’s journey to the top of the NYSC was not an easy feat attained on a platter of gold. Growing up in a modest household, he faced numerous challenges and setbacks along the way.

Brig Gen YD Ahmed was born in Kagarko, Kaduna State on December 28, 1971. On that day, a new dream to the world was set on the pace and path which life has placed him in. Little did everyone knew that this gift of a child would later become a pillar that would support a great nation of over 200 million citizens.

Ahmed’s association with excellence can be traced back to his early life. From a young age, he exhibited a natural curiosity and determination to excel. Born into a family that valued education, Ahmed’s parents instilled in him the importance of hard work, discipline, and continuous self-improvement. As he progressed through school, his academic achievements were a testament to his dedication and drive.

With an existing burning zeal in him, he was not content with merely meeting expectations; Ahmed consistently went above and beyond. His insatiable appetite for knowledge pushed him to explore various subjects and develop a well-rounded skill set. This foundation of excellence in his school days has paved the way for his future leadership roles, setting the stage for his transformative journey within the NYSC.

Ahmed’s transition into the NYSC marked a new chapter in his life. Armed with his principles of excellence and leadership, he approached his role with unwavering dedication.

As he settled into his responsibilities, it became clear that Ahmed was not content with maintaining the status quo. He envisioned a revitalized NYSC experience that would have a lasting impact on the lives of the youth and the communities they served.

Ahmed’s passion for youth development and empowerment was evident from an early age. Recognizing the potential of the Nigerian youth, he dedicated himself to creating opportunities for their growth and success.

As the Director-General of the NYSC, Ahmed has implemented several transformative initiatives that have had a profound impact on the lives of Nigerian youth. One of his notable achievements has been the introduction of vocational training programs. Recognizing the importance of practical skills in today’s job market, Ahmed ensured that corps members receive training in various vocational fields. This has not only enhanced their employability, but has also empowered them to become self-reliant and contribute to the development of their communities.

In the bid to perfecting excellence in the scheme, Ahmed prioritized the development of leadership skills among corps members. Through the establishment of leadership academies and mentorship programs, he has provided young Nigerians with the tools and guidance necessary to become effective leaders in their respective fields. By instilling values such as integrity, accountability, and empathy, Ahmed has nurtured a generation of responsible and compassionate leaders who are poised to make a positive difference in society.

Ahmed believes that by nurturing responsible and compassionate leaders, the NYSC is contributing to the growth and development of Nigeria as a whole.

Ahmed’s leadership was characterized by innovation. He identified untapped opportunities within the NYSC framework and devised initiatives that maximized impact. From organizing community health fairs to launching skill development programs for underprivileged youth, his projects addressed pressing issues while fostering a sense of empowerment among participants. By combining creativity with meticulous execution, Ahmed elevated the NYSC’s relevance and reach.

Furthermore, Ahmed has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity diversity within the NYSC. Recognizing the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of Nigeria, he has championed initiatives that foster unity and understanding among corps members from different backgrounds. By creating an environment that celebrates diversity and encourages dialogue, Ahmed has not only strengthened national unity but has also nurtured a sense of belonging among young Nigerians.

Under Ahmed’s visionary leadership, the NYSC has witnessed significant improvements in its infrastructure and facilities. He understands the importance of creating a conducive environment for corps members to thrive. As a result, he has spearheaded the renovation and construction of NYSC camps across the country. These upgrades have not only enhanced the living conditions of corps members but have also provided them with access to modern facilities and resources necessary for their personal and professional development.

Ahmed’s relentless efforts and exceptional leadership have garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. His dedication to youth development and empowerment has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, as well as the gratitude of countless young Nigerians whose lives have been positively impacted by his initiatives.

Under Ahmed’s leadership, the NYSC has also witnessed significant improvements in its infrastructure and facilities. Recognizing the importance of providing a conducive environment for corps members, he has spearheaded the renovation and construction of NYSC camps across the country. These upgrades have not only enhanced the living conditions of corps members but have also ensured that they have access to modern facilities and resources necessary for their personal and professional development.

Ahmed’s journey to success is a testament to his resilience and determination. Coming from humble beginnings, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. However, it was his unwavering belief in the potential of Nigerian youth that fueled his drive to make a difference.

Just like the great Aristotle has said, “Excellence is not an act but a habit.”

Yushau Dogara Ahmed’s stamp of excellence as the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps is undeniable. From his humble beginnings to his remarkable achievements, Ahmed has proven himself to be a true champion of youth development and empowerment. Through his innovative programs, inclusive leadership, and unwavering commitment, he has transformed the NYSC into a beacon of hope and opportunity for young Nigerians.

Ahmed’s approach to leadership was characterized by sustainability. His initiatives were not short-lived bursts of enthusiasm; they were carefully planned endeavors designed to create lasting change. By involving local communities, partnering with NGOs, and building networks of support, he ensured that his projects would continue to make a difference long after his departure.

Ahmed’s journey inspires others to embrace leadership roles with the same spirit of excellence. His story is a motivational tale shared within the NYSC and beyond, demonstrating the power of dedication and visionary thinking. As individuals read about his journey, they were empowered to take ownership of their roles and push the boundaries of what they could achieve.

Ahmed’s transformative impact on the NYSC has extended beyond his tenure. His commitment to excellence has laid the foundation for a lasting change within the organization. The culture of excellence he cultivated would continue to thrive, with successive batches of NYSC participants striving to emulate his dedication and passion.

For a fact, Ahmed has brought a new breed of excellence to the NYSC. His initiatives has served as models for future projects, ensuring that his legacy and that of NYSC would endure for time immemorial.

Ochonu, a public affairs commentator writes from Abuja.

NSA, CDS, Army chief visit Fubara, gov faults pipeline contract

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Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has criticized the federal government for giving the pipeline surveillance contract to just one business and person.

The governor warned that such a development might have an impact on the region’s efforts to combat oil theft.

When a group came to meet him at Government House in Port Harcourt on Saturday, Fubara made this statement under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser.

Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, had defended the government’s choice to award Tantita Security Services, allegedly owned by former militant leader Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo, the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract.

In response to the delegation’s comments, Fubara criticized the government’s choice and said it was unacceptable. In order to get the intended outcome, he claimed that more persons from the many states and ethnic nationalities in the area should have been given the task.

“I believe that in order to solve the problems, we must look locally, but security of pipelines shouldn’t be left in the hands of one man,” he said. How is the pipeline in Onne LGA under the authority of someone from Kalabari? How is it possible for someone in Onne LGA to influence what occurs in Ogoni?

It’s not feasible right now. We need to think about hiring everyone who is important in the various communities.

Fubara noted that his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, took the threat of illegal oil refining head-on and claimed that the state had always been in the forefront of the fight against it.

Fubara asked Niger Delta leaders to band together and make sure that their two sons overseeing the petroleum ministries were successful in their respective portfolios, pointing out that everyone would gain from the new course being pursued by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “Two of our sons, from the states of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, are in charge of the petroleum ministry. We want them to succeed. We must offer them the assistance they require. Given that we are already working on it, you shouldn’t have even considered arriving. You need to have merely given me a call to get the situation report.

However, he claimed that in comparison to its contribution to the national economy, the Niger Delta was not reaping the benefits it should. He instructed the group to speak with the appropriate persons in order to obtain the necessary data.

Ribadu had earlier stated that the Tinubu-led administration was prepared to handle everything properly in order to bring the country back on track.

According to Ribadu, the Federal Government has continued to value the crude oil and gas-rich region, thus it is taking all necessary steps to reorient the region.

We are here at Tinubu’s own request, the NSA declared. As the Minister of Defense stated, Mr. President’s commitment is the reason we are present. Mr. President thinks that this region of Nigeria does matter a lot. Of course, the Niger Delta’s inhabitants require peace as well as access to resources.

We have instructions from him. This is the entirety of federal power, as you can see. We have gathered here strategic people and offices. This demonstrates a dedication to and a conviction that, as the minister of defense put it, enough is enough. New chapter has begun.

“We think the time has come to act morally, and we’re going to do it,”

General Christopher Musa, the CDS, and Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, were also present in the delegation.

Muhammed Badaru, the Minister of Defense, Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, and Ekperipe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), were the others.

Police detain 150 IPOB members as residents flee Imo, Anambra

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Between January and August 2023, the Imo State Police Command reported that it had detained around 150 terrorists who belonged to the Independent People of Biafra’s Eastern Security Network, also known as unidentified gunmen.

Several Imo and Anambra state residents and some Nigerians of South Eastern ancestry who recently migrated to the South-Western part of the country have revealed how the insurgency brought on by the actions of the group known as the gunmen has caused a mass exodus of people from the Eastern part of the country.

Though the Anambra Police Command spokesperson was unavailable for comment, Henry Okoye, the police public relations officer for the Imo State Command, told our correspondent over the phone that the CP’s order to stop and search people has had a negative impact on IPOB/ESN activity.

The difficulty that we have been dealing with for more than three years, he remarked. The Imo State Police Command, however, is making every effort to secure the state under the direction of Commissioner of Police Mohammed Barde. Security has improved, and we’ve increased patrol.

“The CP has ordered tactical commanders and area commanders to deploy personnel and do feasibility policing and stop and search in important points in the state, and it has assisted in decreasing the activities of these IPOB and ESN people,” the CP said.

“We also have our SID officers who collaborate with the DSS, and this has assisted us in getting reliable information that has assisted us in raiding and dismantling multiple IPOB/ESN camps. Due to this, between January of this year and the present, we have detained more than 150 criminal members of IPOB and ESN as well as individuals responsible for armed robberies and kidnappings in Imo State.

Imo State is now more secure than it was. Only the areas along Oguta LGA and Okigwe, which are areas that share a border with other states, are an issue for us right now. We have already secured Owerri and are working to secure Orlu.

Some of these criminals used to go from nearby states, cause havoc, and then leave. However, with the backing of the governor, Hope Uzodinma, we are working to secure all state entrances in order to drive these criminals out.

While this is going on, some locals who spoke with our correspondent noted that markets are typically not as busy as they once were. They also stated that the IPOB-induced insurgency has given other criminal elements and groups the confidence to continue committing crimes like armed robbery, rape, assassination, and banditry.

Because of the actions of these IPOB members, the South-East is no longer safe. especially the state of Imo. Recently, these ‘unknown gunmen’ entered a Mbaise king’s palace and murdered the man. How about the average person, if a king is no longer safe?

“I used to live in Mbaise, but I currently reside in Akure, Ondo State, as I don’t feel comfortable there. I was born and raised in Imo State, where I lived there for more than 20 years till I moved out about two weeks ago, despite the fact that I am mostly Igbo and partially Yoruba. Johnson was the young man who made this claim.

I live here in Owerri, Imo State, said a young woman who only gave her first name, Ijeoma, out of dread of the masked gunmen. We haven’t slept a wink since their brutality began. Because they may show up at any time, especially on Mondays to attack and murder people, our markets are now deserted, and the majority of our stores are typically empty.

“Many individuals are currently escaping Owerri and scurrying to Lagos. Rape and robbery have also escalated in Owerri as a result of these factors. A guy and his wife were robbed of more than N2 million today (Saturday), and the well-known phone store SLOT was looted a few days ago. It now occurs on a regular basis.

A 31-year-old man who only went by the name Chinedu stated, “These IPOB men are not at least putting our minds at ease here in Anambra, Ihiala LGA, where I live. The market or the waterways are not peaceful places to visit. We hope the government will help us because it is exhausting.

In Awka, Anambra State, I reside. The insecurity has forced almost all of my friends and cousins to relocate to Lagos and Ibadan from Anambra. A second Anambra resident, Chukwudi, informed our correspondent, “Our businesses are no longer growing as many people now fear going to the market since they don’t know when the unknown gunmen may attack.

Ex-SSG faults ministers receiving pension as former govs

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Former governors who collect life pensions, exotic automobiles, and other advantages from their states while serving as ministers, according to Prof. Yahaya Kuta, a former secretary to the Niger State Government, face a moral weight.

Kuta advised the ministers to follow the example of Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun State, who claimed to have written to the state administration to have his pension suspended ever since he was elected to the Senate.

In an interview with our correspondent on Saturday, the former SSG made this statement. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, in particular, encouraged President Bola Tinubu to compel the former governors in his cabinet to stop collecting pensions before he spoke, as did other civil society organizations.

On Monday, Tinubu officially welcomed a group of former governors into his cabinet. They are Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe).

Former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki says he ceased getting pension payments from the state in August 2017 after serving as governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011. SERAP has praised the action.

“They should take a hint from Senator Gbenga Daniel who wrote his state governor to subsequently stop his pension from the state,” the former SSG observed.

The spirit is that! They don’t need to be informed since taking a double ration in a situation where your population are severely suffering from hunger, misery, and hopelessness is immoral.

FG refutes claim Nigerian ambassador to Niger was expelled

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The Federal Government refuted a claim that Mohammed Usman, the nation’s ambassador to the Republic of Niger, had been expelled from the nation on Saturday.

Francisca Omayuli, who serves as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ spokesperson, pleaded with the people to ignore such reports in a statement.

The statement said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been alerted to rumors circulating on social media that the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Niger, H. E. Mohammed Usman, was expelled on Friday, August 25, 2023, and given 48 hours to depart the country.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wants to make it known to the public that this information is untrue and should be ignored as a result.

The Federal Government of Nigeria issues a warning against the dissemination of unreliable information that could endanger the ECOWAS’s ongoing efforts to mediate the political impasse in Niger.

Contractors to commence work on Abuja airport second runway soon – Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, revealed that the second runway construction contractors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja will soon begin their work.

This occurred when the minister held a meeting with Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, to discuss the relocation and compensation of Abuja residents who were impacted by the proposed construction of a second runway for the NAIA.

On Saturday, the minister made this information public on his verified X page, a site that replaced Twitter.

Before development began on the property, the minister argued that it was imperative that the locals be paid and relocated.

Don’t forget that in 2022, the Federal Government donated 12,000 hectares of land for the construction of a few aviation projects.

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Nigeria Limited was also given the building site for the second runway at the Abuja airport.

A maintenance repair and overhaul facility, an aviation leasing firm, agro-allied cargo terminals, an airport city or aerotropolis, a national carrier, an African Aerospace and Aviation University, among other things, would also be built on the property.

Keyamo mentioned that he also spoke with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to address the problem with Emirates Airline flights to Dubai/UAE. He continued by saying that both ministries are collaborating to find a solution to this issue as well as the associated worry about the resumed issuance of Dubai visas to Nigerians.

The following is the statement’s full text: “Earlier today, I met with my counterparts in the FCT and Foreign Affairs Ministries to work together to resolve difficulties facing our Ministries.

The first is to collaborate with the FCT Ministry to find a solution to the problem of the FCT natives who must be made whole and moved before the development of the second runway at the Abuja airport can get under way seriously. To go to the site, the contractors have been mobilized.

“The second is to cooperate with the Foreign Affairs Ministry to find a solution to the problem with the restart of Emirates Airline flights to Dubai/UAE and the associated problem of the restart of the issuing of Dubai visas to Nigerians.

“We are currently advancing on these issues.”

Tribunal dismisses petitions against Kaduna PDP Reps

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The petitions filed against two members of the People’s Democratic Party of the House of Representatives were denied by the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Kaduna State.

The applications filed against David Gurara, who represents the Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency, and Bashir Shadow, a member who represents the Kauru Federal Constituency, were both dismissed by the tribunal on Saturday.

In the House of Representatives election held on February 25, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission returned the two federal representatives to office.

The candidates for the All Progressives Congress, Gabriel Zock and Mukhtar Zakari, brought the two PDP members before the tribunal.

Zock asked the tribunal to overturn INEC’s proclamation and order new elections in his appeal, alleging that voting had not taken place in 43 polling places.

Additionally, Zakari had filed a case against Shadow, claiming that he had submitted a forgery of a school transcript.

Zock’s petition was heard by the tribunal’s chairman, Justice H.H. Kereng, who ruled that the petitioner had not offered sufficient evidence to support his claims.

Justice Maiwada Abubakar also dismissed Zakari’s petition during her ruling on it because it lacked merit.

CCB investigates Kano anti-corruption boss as EFCC summons top official to Abuja

Chairman of the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Muhyi Rimingado, is the subject of an investigation by the Code of Conduct Bureau.

The Director of Finance of the Kano anti-graft agency has been called to Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to provide the agency with pertinent transactions concerning Rimingado.

Our correspondent was shown a letter of invitation dated August 8, 2023, signed by Muhtar Bello, acting deputy director, Cybercrime and other related crimes, EFCC, which requested PCACC give Rimingado’s bank records for 2019 in order to take the appropriate action.

The message says, “The Commission is looking into a situation where it is critical to have some explanation from your office. Given the foregoing, we respectfully request that you authorize the Director of Finance and Accounts to meet with the undersigned on Monday, August 29, 2023 at 1000 hours at Plot 301/302 Institution and Research District Jabi, along Airport Road, Abuja, for an interview.

“He shall bring the following facts, among other things: 1. Specifics of the total money disbursed to your office by the Kano State Office of the Accountant General from the 2019 to 2021 fiscal year. II. Information on the total amount of money your office received from the Kano state Ministry of Local Government between 2019 and 2021, including information on contracts that were completed and beneficiary account information.

Additionally, the CCB stated in a separate letter signed by Gwimi S. P. Director, Intelligence, Investigation & Monitoring that it has opened an investigation into allegations that Rimingado violated the Code of Public Officers. The Bureau urged the Director, Personnel Management Department of Kano anti-corruption agency to provide the necessary information to support the investigation.

“Pursuant to the mandate and powers of the Bureau as enshrined in the 3rd Schedule, Part 1, paragraph 3(e) to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, The Code of Conduct Bureau is investigating a case of alleged violation of the Code of Public Officers against a member of your organization’s staff by the name Muhuyi Magaji Gado. As a result, you are kindly asked to provide certified true copies (CTC) of the following information to the Bureau. I. His letter of appointment and acceptance II. His pay stubs from July 2020 to August 2023 III. His service records.

Recall that Rimingado had previously been fired from his position by the Kano State House of Assembly but has since been reinstated by the state’s current administration.

NDDC begins talks with French, German agencies on job creation

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The Niger Delta Development Commission said that it had started talks with French and German development organizations to encourage job creation and raise agricultural output in the Niger Delta region.

When he led a high-level team on a two-day visit to the offices of the German Development Agency and the French Development Agency in Abuja, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, said this.

This was said in a statement released on Saturday in Port Harcourt and signed by Pius Ughakpoteni, the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs.

The MD was accompanied by the NDDC’s Executive Director of Finance and Administration, Major General Charles Airhiavbare (retired), the Executive Director of Projects, Mr. Charles Ogunmola, a specialist in partnerships named Dr. Uche Igwe, and a number of NDDC Directors.

Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the NDDC’s readiness to investigate cutting-edge funding options and acquire technical know-how for worthwhile initiatives during the visit.

He emphasized the Commission’s intention to use innovative approaches and best practices from throughout the world to successfully solve the development issues present in the Niger Delta.

The director of NDDC emphasized the Commission’s dedication to fulfilling its duty to improve the standard of living for Niger Delta residents.

Dr. Ogbuku was quoted in the announcement as adding, “The Niger Delta Development Commission is unrelenting in its pursuit of sustainable development within the region.”

Our joint efforts with prestigious partners like GIZ and the French Development Agency “amplify our collective power to bring about positive and long-lasting change,”

Earlier, Mr. Xavier Muron, the AFD Country Director in Nigeria, informed the NDDC delegation that the organization is a development partner that places a higher premium on supporting initiatives and programs that address climate change mitigation.

Similar to this, the GIZ Country Director, Dr. Markus Wagner, stated that there were numerous opportunities for the NDDC to collaborate with the organization, including technical assistance for farmers seeking to access the expanding market for fresh African foods, assistance with improving farmer productivity, and vocational training.

Dr. Ogbuku characterized the conversations, which included participants from both agencies, as beneficial.

The discussions were centered on how to collaborate so that the skills and resources of all parties concerned could be utilised in harmony, Ogbuku continued.

The joint efforts are focused on hastening sustainable development in key areas while successfully tackling the various problems that the Niger Delta is facing.

Mr. Ogunmola, Executive Director of Projects, provided more details on the specific areas of cooperation that were being thought about.

“Our conversations covered a wide range of sectors, including youth vocational training, sustainable agricultural and energy initiatives, entrepreneurship development, and environmental conservation,” he stated.

This alliance “brings forward the potential to revolutionize these industries and create fresh opportunities for sustainable prosperity.”

Palliatives: Zulum donates N36m, 100 bags of rice to Borno corpers

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On Saturday, August 26, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum stated that N36.4 million had been set aside as relief funds for the 1,215 members of the youth corps who had been stationed there for their national service.

Each of them would get N30,000.

Four days after attending the oath-taking of the youth Corp members at the camp’s reopening in Maiduguri, the governor paid a weekend visit to the NYSC orientation camp.

He looked over the honor guard they had erected before addressing them.
He looked over the honor guard they had erected before addressing them.
In addition, Zulum sent 10 cows, 10 bags of 100 kg beans, 10 litres of cooking oil, 100 bags of rice, and 10 bags of 100 kg beans for a special supper to be prepared for the youth corp members during their ongoing three-week orientation program.

We wish to provide palliatives to National Youth Service Corps members, he said, noting that “Each of you will receive the sum of N30,000, that money will be paid to your accounts as soon as your bank information are submitted to me.”

“In addition to that, we have given you 100 bags of rice, 10 bags of 100 kg beans, 10 litres of cooking oil, and 10 bulls,” he continued.

The governor gave the corp members orders to follow the camp laws by maintaining good relations with one another and taking actions that will promote national harmony.

“I want you to respect and obey lawful authorities. Get to know people in this region of the nation so that we may work together to create a successful Nigeria with sustainable economic growth and development, Governor Zulum advised.

The governor thanked the federal government for enhancing Borno State’s security situation, which made it possible for the NYSC orientation camp in Maiduguri to resume operations after a 13-year hiatus.