Boko Haram Forces NYSC to Cancel Passing-Out Parade

As part of measures to forestall further attacks against corps members by the dreaded Boko Haram sect and other anti-state elements, authorities of the National Youth Service Corps have cancelled the 2010 Batch III passing-out parade slated for October 4. The DG of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, who confirmed the development to journalists in Abuja on Friday, explained that he was determined to take every necessary step to protect corps members throughout the country. 

In his words: “You are aware that the Independence celebration is low-keyed. We will follow suit and have the passing out low-keyed as a means of ensuring the security of all our corps members. Some areas may not be conducive for congregating at this time.” 

He disclosed that he was setting up a 24-hour Distress Call Centre, with a view to improving the security of all members and would be employed to maximum effects in rapid response. “At the point of registration, each corps member would be required to provide a functional phone number which officials of the scheme at the state level would send to the headquarters along with the place of primary assignment to create the data base,” he added. 

The NYSC boss however rejected calls by concerned Nigerians to post corps members to sates close to their homes. He said such a step would further polarize the nation and defeat the objectives of the scheme which is to strengthen the bond of brotherliness among Nigeria’s various ethnic nationalities.