By Sulyman Pakoyi

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Security agencies in Ondo State have pledged to protect the lives and property of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

The assurance was given during courtesy visits by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, to heads of security agencies across the state.

During her visit to the Brigade Commander, 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, Bakare appealed to him to use his wealth of experience to address the security situation in the state, particularly concerning the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko.

She also emphasised the infrastructural deficit in the orientation camp and sought the Brigade Commander’s intervention in securing support from the state government and other well-meaning Nigerians to upgrade the facilities.

“We experienced a surge in corps members during the last orientation course due to the dislodgement of Lagos corps members to Ondo State, which may continue for some time. We need your support on the urgent need to improve infrastructure at the camp,” she pleaded.

The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, promised to visit the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ikare-Akoko, for an on-the-spot assessment of the facilities, which would enable him to make an informed decision on how best to offer professional support as a trained officer of the Nigerian Army.

He thanked the State coordinator for the visit and described the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the National Youth Service Corps as that of Siamese twins, tracing it back to the scheme’s establishment nearly 52 years ago.

Responding to concerns about excessive socialisation between soldiers and corps members at the orientation camp, Brigadier General Ifeanyi assured the NYSC team that the Nigerian Army is a disciplined institution that does not condone lawlessness among its officers and men, and he promised to address the issue immediately.

Similarly, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State command, CP Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, assured the NYSC management that the lives and property of corps members would be adequately safeguarded.

He pledged that his command would ensure their safety at all times, while advising corps members to make good use of their opportunities and avoid engaging in illegal activities. He also noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic guarantees security for all citizens and provides measures to address violations by erring individuals.

The State coordinator affirmed that the youths are eager to engage in legitimate means to achieve their goals. However, she urged personnel of the collaborating agencies to ensure that their actions remain guided by the code of conduct for all camp officials.

Additionally, the State Director of Security, Department of State Services (DSS), Ondo State command, Mr Tunde Adefolurin, FSI, encouraged the NYSC in the State to strengthen its relationship with his department in tackling youth restiveness.

According to him, his command is committed to addressing challenges associated with youthful exuberance by fostering dialogue and implementing programmes aimed at maximising the potential of graduate, during their service year.

Mrs. Bakare acknowledged the invaluable services rendered by undercover officers, which she said  had significantly contributed to ensuring prompt responses to security concerns within the camp, thereby preventing potential apprehension and breaches of security.