At least 2,550 Corp members have been trained to participate in the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections on Saturday.
The Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Y.D. Ahmed, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday also called for heightened security for all corps members and NYSC officials participating in the exercise.
In a statement made available to Africa Health Report by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, General Ahmed noted that 2,550 corps members had been trained to participate in the election across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The statement reads: “Also, at Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin, where he was received by DIG Frank Mba, who is coordinating policemen on election duty, the Director General said the Scheme holds the security and welfare of its Corps Members as top priority.
“He added that Corps Members, being the majority of the adhoc staff for the election is a testament of the tremendous successes NYSC has recorded through its participation in previous elections in the country.
“I am here to solicit for your support for security of the Corps Members that will participate in the election.
“We also seek assistance from other security agencies to oversee the Corps Lodges in the State up till after the election.
“General Ahmed also said the Corps Members have been fully sensitised and are ready to abide by the electoral laws.
“In his response, Major General Onubogu commended Brigadier General Ahmed for his sterling leadership qualities and strong passion for Corps Welfare and Security.
“He promised maximum security for the general conduct of the election throughout the State.
“We are beside you and we shall be there to ensure that nothing happens to any Corps Member”, he said.
Also in his response, Mr Frank Mba said the force is ready for a safe and crisis free election, while promising the Director General adequate security for corps members.
“I want to assure you that we will all work together and do everything within our power to ensure the safety and adequate protection of our Corps Members”, Mba added.
