GOVERNOR SIMON LALONG DECLARES OPEN THE 2020 NYSC PRE-OREINTATION WORKSHOP HOLDING IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE. THE GOVERNOR APPEALED TO THE NYSC TO CREATE FURTHER PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND SELF RELIANCE.

ADDRESS BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF PLATEAU STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. (DR) SIMON BAKO LALONG, KSGG, AT THE 2020 BATCH “B” PRE-ORIENTATION WORKSHOP HELD AT ELIEL EVENT CENTRE, JOS ON WEDNESDAY, 4TH NOVEMBER, 2020 

PROTOCOLS

It is my pleasure to address you on this occasion of the 2020 Batch “B” Pre-Orientation Workshop holding here in the beautiful city of Jos, Plateau State. I welcome all the participants particularly the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

The Government and good people of Plateau State  are excited by your choice of Plateau State as the venue for this workshop which is not only a mark of honour to the State, but an affirmation of the confidence and goodwill that has returned to our State since we came into office.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the importance of this workshop cannot be over-emphasized as it provides a forum for critical stakeholders to appraise the performance of the NYSC at previous orientation exercises with a view to strengthening upcoming ones. 

Your choice of the theme for this workshop which is “Evolving a Dynamic Operational Strategy in Management of Camps in the Context of Covid-19” is very timely and clearly highlights the efforts of the NYSC in tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Let me therefore use this opportunity to commend the Management of the NYSC for its active support to Government in the fight against the pandemic. We are witnesses to how the Scheme opened its Orientation Camps across the country for use as Quarantine and Isolation Centres. Here in Plateau State, the Orientation camp in Mangu was very helpful in our battle against the virus.

Even though we are yet to overcome the disease, we are confident that working together, we shall put this situation behind us and also learn to live with its implications as long as it may take. I therefore implore all participants at this workshop to pay attention to all the discussions which will enhance safety and confidence of the in-coming corps members.

I also appeal to the NYSC Management and indeed all corps members to avoid complacency in observing COVID-19 protocols because we have recently been warned by the PTF on the likelihood of resurgence and second wave. Let us be vigilant as the fight against the virus has not been won yet!

Plateau State still remains a leading State in testing for the disease and corps members who are posted to the State will be availed this service. We shall work with the State NYSC Coordinator to enhance the safety and comfort of the corps members posted to Plateau just as we have done over the years.

Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen, we are all aware of the events that recently transpired across the country which started with the ENDSARS protests that began peacefully, until they were hijacked by criminals and hoodlums who went on rampage, looting and destroying public and private infrastructure.

Let me express my sympathies to the Director General, Management and staff of the NYSC as well as all corps members over recent attacks and looting of the Corp's facilities by hoodlums and criminals. What happened was indeed callous, condemnable and regrettable. 

While Government cherishes the God-given and constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to protest, the wanton destruction we recently witnessed including here on the Plateau should make us all to rise and work hard to prevent this ugly experience from occurring again. 

While we acknowledge the many challenges that our youths face daily due to lack of opportunities for jobs as well as better conditions to achieve their dreams, we cannot excuse the adoption of violence and destruction as a solution. We must put our heads together to ensure that jobs are created and our youths are supported to stand on their own.

Like I have said at several fora, we remain highly supportive of the #ENDSARS agitation which ultimately seeks a reform of the Policing Architecture that will guarantee safety of lives and properties and enable our policemen to be motivated to serve professionally and within the law.

We have already began engagement with our youths to ensure that we are on the same page and work in synergy to avoid the ugly experiences of recent past which have left us counting huge losses. I met with the youths last Friday here in the State and on Monday, the entire northern Governors met in Kaduna to also elaborate on a more robust engagement across the region.

I also wish to draw the attention of the DG and Management of the NYSC to the need to include in the orientation course, the issue of social media usage and responsibility. Today we have seen the enormous potential of this technology and how it has continued to improve communication and interaction in society. 

However, we are also confronted with the negative use of the social media for the transmission of fake news, hate speech and incitement. This was very evident even in these recent events where Government and its officials as well as other innocent persons were maligned, falsely castigated and even put in danger or attacked.

This again reminds us of the need to do something to ensure responsible use of the social media space for development and accountability. No one can suppress freedom of speech and expression in a democracy. At the same time, no one should also be allowed to suffer or be endangered through the abuse of such freedom by the irresponsible use of social media by others.

That is why we recently suggested at the Northern Governors Forum meeting held on Monday in Kaduna that the time has come for some mechanisms to be put in place to ensure that those who misuse the social media or put the lives of others in danger are held accountable.

For the avoidance of doubt, this position does not intend to gag, muzzle or suppress freedom of speech and expression of Nigerians as it is being misinterpreted in some quarters. We are only advocating for responsibility and accountability as any of us can be a victim of fake news, hate speech and incitement.

I also urge the NYSC to continue to build the entrepreneurship spirit among our youths throughout the service year as we raise youths that are self-reliant and innovative. It is only through this training that we shall try to solve the unemployment challenge in the country. 

The scheme should also sustain the ideals of the founding fathers by continually instilling in Nigerian youths the spirit of patriotism, loyalty and service to the Nation. At times like these, we have to continue to promote National unity and integration.

Finally, I reassure you that Plateau State is open to all people from not only Nigeria, but across the world particularly our esteemed youth Corpers who are always willing to serve our people even the remotest parts of the State. Our people are very hospitable and accommodating. 

It may interest the DG to know that some youth Corpers are at first reluctant coming to Plateau State when they are posted for the NYSC. However, when they eventually come, they find it difficult to leave after completing their service. This is the attraction that we possess as a State and I assure you that we shall continue to embrace all well-meaning people who want to settle, invest or build their carriers in our State.

While you brainstorm at this workshop, take time off to enjoy the beauty and serene weather of the Home of Peace and Tourism. Feel at home and enjoy all the natural endowments on the Plateau. I wish you a fruitful and rewarding deliberation.

It is now my pleasure to declare the 2020 Batch “B” Pre-Orientation workshop open.

Thank you and God bless.

Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG

Executive Governor, Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, 5th November 2020.