Date: 2018-05-04

...Bemoan dilapidated facilities in NYSC orientation camps

HOUSE of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Youth Development to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of Miss Amadi Ichechukwu, a corps member, in Kwara State, recently.

The committee was also asked to extend investigation to the deaths of many other corps members within the compulsory one year programme.

The House at yesterday's plenary also decried the state of infrastructure in National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, orientation camps across the country, urging the Federal Government to give them a facelift.

The resolution was sequel to consideration and adoption of a motion, which came under matters of urgent public importance from Blessing Nsiegbe (Rivers).

Nsiegbe, while canvassing support for the consideration of the motion, lamented the deaths of many corps members at the camps.

She attributed the death of Ichechukwu on injuries sustained during a 'Man O' War' drilling exercise at the camp.

Contributing to the motion, Nkiruka Onyejeocha (Abia-PDP) emphasized the need for participants in the scheme to be certified medically fit before their mobilisation.

According to her, the measure will help ascertain their state for their survival in various rigorous exercises.

Also speaking, Ahman Pategi (Kwara-APC) called for more funding to equip the camps.

On his part, Kenneth Chikere (Rivers) asked for a reduction in the strenuous drills and exercises.

The committee was given one month to carry out the investigation and report back to the House for further legislative inputs.