The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim on Wednesday said the scheme would take advantage of its nationwide spread to build a corrupt-free country.
Ibrahim said this in Abuja during the inauguration and induction of members of the NYSC Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU).
He added that the scheme would ensure that all departments and units played significant roles in the anti-corruption drive.
“Corruption, as we know, manifests in different facets of our public and social lives in very negative ways and oftentimes, causing pains and untold hardship to the citizens.
“It goes beyond the issues of misappropriation, bribery in workplaces, embezzlement of funds, and nepotism, as it slows down the realisation of the government objective of providing for her citizens all the basic necessities of life,’’ Ibrahim said.
He said that the scheme began to conceptualise ACTU in association with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in 2002.
According to Ibrahim, the management of the scheme has intensified efforts at preventing any infringement on the laws enabling it through the enforcement of its general operational guidelines.
“Those who attempted to illegally participate in the past through fraudulent means will be prosecuted when discovered.
“It must be noted that the scheme will not entertain any request for respite or leniency by those who deliberately participate illegally and seek restitution for the illegal act,’’ he said.
Ibrahim reiterated NYSC’s resolve to build a corrupt-free country for present and future generations.
He promised that the scheme would continue to harness its nationwide spread and strategic position to sustain its collaboration with ICPC for greater success in its anti-corruption war.
The DG, who said that members of the reconstituted NYSC branch of ACTU were selected on merit, urged them to adhere strictly to all the guiding rules without compromising their positions.
