By Saheed Ibrahim

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on journalists to support the scheme in its nation-building tasks.

The new NYSC Coordinator in Ondo State, Mr. Sam Pepple, made the call during a media parley with members of the fourth estate of the realm today.

The Coordinator, who took over from Mrs. Victoria Ani a few weeks ago, said the purpose of the media parley was to familiarize himself with the media practitioners in the state and appreciate them for the support provided to the scheme so far.

The former journalist with the Sun Ray in Port Harcourt sought the understanding and support of media practitioners, calling for synergy between them and the scheme.

“NYSC needs your support. It is not just any public service organization; it is a developmental organization. It has been journalists and a few people in government that shape the destinies of this country.

“The NYSC needs your support. I crave your indulgence to support the National Youth Service Corps, especially at this time in the country,” he urged.

He appealed to the security agencies in the country, noting that the NYSC has been at the forefront of integrating Nigeria amidst factors trying to pull the country apart.

While acknowledging that nation-building is a big task, he said the media need to support the scheme to achieve its goals.

“Everywhere you see a corps member, please, we need your support.”

Speaking on strategies to ensure smooth orientation camping for corps members in the state, Pepple noted that proper mechanisms had been put in place.

He added that the scheme is also working with security agencies in the state to ensure the safety of corps members.

The Coordinator also said efforts were being made to ensure that the facilities at the Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko were in proper shape.

Responding, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Prince Leke Adegbite, assured the NYSC coordinator of the union’s support.

Represented by the Secretary of the Union, Mr. Olaoluwa Meshak, Prince Adegbite described the media practitioners in Ondo State as friendly and development-oriented.

He said corps members can also be posted to the Press Centre for their national service, as it was done in the past, a call Pepple acknowledged.