By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Kehinde Aremu, has called on corps members in the state to avoid taking sides with any political party while working during the November 6, 2021 governorship election.

He described their involvement in elections as that of umpires.

Aremu, who recently addressed outgoing 2020 Batch 'B' corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp Umuawulu/Mbaukwu in Awka South Local Government Area of the state, said: “When the time comes for you to be engaged, you must never be seen to take sides with one political party or the other, but rather ensure that the exercise is free and fair by standing on neutral grounds.”

The Coordinator emphasised the need for corpers to be cordial with their host communities, saying: “No practical skill can fetch one income when one can’t relate amicably with others.

“Engage your time in profitable ventures, including the post-camp SAED training.”

He commended the corps members for their dedication to duty, especially the COVID-19/Sanitation Vanguards and Overall Parade Commander.

Meanwhile, the Governor of the State, Chief Willie Obiano, in his message to the youth corpers during the closing ceremony of the orientation course urged them to remain dogged in their good deeds.

He hailed the management of the Scheme for returning the 2020 Batch ‘A’ set to conclude their truncated orientation course.

“Despite the interruption in the exercise, they have demonstrated doggedness in good deeds as exemplified by the numerous interventions they carried out during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Appreciating the officials for their contributions which translated to a successful orientation exercise” Obiano added.

The governor challenged the corps members to imbibe the ideals of oneness, hospitality and mindset of entrepreneurship.