News

Corps Members Warned Against Unethical Conduct During Service year

Published

1 year ago

February 29, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Corps Members have been warned to shun every form of misconduct throughout their service year in order to avoid being sanctioned by the NYSC Byel-aws.

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General YD Ahmed gave the warning while addressing the 2024 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps Members at Rivers State Orientation Camp in Nonwa Gbam, and their counterpart in Bayelsa State Orientation Camp, Boro.

He said there are laid down rules and regulations guiding every Corps Member during and out of camp, adding that the Scheme is not a safe abode for lawbreakers.
“NYSC bye laws would be applied on every infraction committed by any Corps Member. Be law-abiding throughout your service year. You are expected to dress in line with the approved NYSC dress code.

As much as possible, avoid unnecessary journey and don’t embark on any risky adventure that may put you in danger. Try and be security conscious at all times and reject the temptation of free rides”, he said.
General Ahmed appealed to the Corps Members to add value to their host communities by executing projects that would make life more comfortable for the residents.

While presenting his Orientation Camp report to the Director General, the NYSC Rivers State Coordinator, Mr George Mfongang said a total of 1,670 Corps Members comprising 858 male and 812 female were registered.

He added that Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training has commenced with Corps Members showing high level of commitment and enthusiasm in acquiring new skills.

He disclosed that they have demonstrated strong sense of responsibility, patriotism and commitment to the ideals of NYSC.
Mfongang also lauded the cordial relationship between NYSC Rivers State Secretariat and the State Government.

Similarly, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs Obiageli Okpalifo said camp activities were going on smoothly.
She also said camp officials are working as a team with Corps Members participating actively in all camp activities as good ambassadors of their institutions and families to ensure the success of the Orientation Course.

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Health

NGO seeks inclusivity, support for people with autism

Published

25 mins ago

March 21, 2025

The Gleamer

The founder of the Sustainable Development for Africa Youth Initiative (SuDAYI), Victoria Jim, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), is advocating for greater inclusivity and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Jim made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during the unveiling of SuDAYI, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in creating a more inclusive society for individuals with autism and their families.

According to Jim, every individual with autism deserves access to quality education, healthcare, and social services that cater to their specific needs.

“Growing up in Africa, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by individuals with autism and other disabilities.

“I saw how they were often marginalised, excluded, and denied access to basic rights and opportunities,” she said.

However, Jim also highlighted the potential, talent, and resilience of individuals with autism, noting that with the right support, resources, and opportunities, they could achieve greatness.

Jim stated that SuDAYI was committed to bridging the gap in autism services and support in Nigeria.

“In the next two years, the NGO plans to implement a comprehensive autism management intervention.

“This intervention will focus on providing inclusive education and support to families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

“Additionally, SuDAYI aims to establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to promote autism awareness and acceptance.”

Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, spoke about ongoing efforts to amend the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018.

He noted that the current law did not adequately address the needs of children and women with disabilities.

“We think those areas are specific areas that need to be addressed, including intellectual disabilities and developmental needs for children with cerebral palsy or neurodegenerative conditions,” Dawodu said.

He also emphasised that discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) was punishable under the law.

Dr Opiti Chukwunekwu, Associate Director at Health System Consult Limited, discussed the prevalence of autism in Nigeria, which was estimated at 2.1 per cent.

He clarified that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was not a disease but a developmental disorder that occurred during a child’s development in the womb.

Chukwunekwu explained that autism was a spectrum, with different manifestations across its five elements.

He emphasised the importance of supporting individuals with autism to develop skills and reach their potential.

“Many prominent people have been shown to have traits of autism and still went on to achieve great things,” he said.

Chukwunekwu also stressed that while there was no cure for autism, effective management focused on empowering individuals with the disorder.

“This includes behavioral interventions, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills training, all aimed at improving outcomes for those living with autism.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SuDAYI’s objective is to empower children and youth with autism and other disabilities, enabling them to participate fully in and contribute to their communities.

(NAN)

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