The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ebonyi State has incorporated sensitisation on Coronavirus and Lassa fever in the ongoing orientation of 2020 Batch A corps members.

The State Coordinator of the scheme, Ms Ann Ibe, stated this during the swearing in ceremony of the new Corps members at the State’s Permanent Orientation Camp, Old MacGregor College, Afikpo North Local Government Area.

The reason for the sensitisation on the two deadly diseases, she said, is to arm the new Corps members with the requisite information on the viruses and how to prevent infection.

She noted that the action followed outbreak of the viruses in Nigeria and other parts of the world.

Her words: “Following the outbreak of Coronavirus, the National Youth Service Corps as a proactive measure embarked on far reaching actions in order to guard against the contraction of the deadly virus by corps members.

“Accordingly, we had been in constant touch with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, as well as the Federal Ministry of Health which have been playing very supportive roles by lending technical support to the scheme.

“It is gratifying to note that infrared thermometers, as well as hand sanitisers, wash hand basins and soaps have been provided in all the 37 NYSC Secretariats and at strategic locations at orientation camps of the scheme nationwide.

“Similarly, sensitisation leaflets on Lassa Fever and Coronavirus have been shared to all 2020 Batch A corps members currently undergoing orientation course, so as to arm them with the requisite information on the viruses and how to prevent infectious.”

The new corps members posted to the state, numbering 1,900, were administered the Pledge of Allegiance by the state Chief Judge, Justice Anselem Nwigwe, who was represented at the event by Justice Benson Ogbu of the State High Court.

Of the 1900 new Corps members, 969 are female while 931 are male.

Welcoming the new Corps Members to the state, Governor David Umahi charged them to be catalysts for development of the state and country.

Represented by the state Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Charles Akpuenika, the Governor urged them to take the training and orientation seriously and assured them of their safety throughout their stay in the State.

“I want to assure you that your security is guaranteed anywhere in Ebonyi State as the government has put in place necessary measures to ensure that you have a conducive environment to fully actualise your dream of serving our fatherland and contributing your quota to the development of the state,” Umahi said.

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