NYSC vows to investigate death of 3 corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it will investigate the death of three corps members even though “the impression of negligence being created in some quarters is not true”.

Elechi Chinyerum Nwenenda, Oladepo Ifedolapo and Asuquo Ukeme, all part of at the ongoing 2016 Batch ‘B’ (Stream I) Orientation Course in Bayelsa, Kano and Zamfara states respectively, died on Monday, with several reports claiming that they would have survived if they received prompt medical care.

The trio died after brief illnesses.

In a statement, Sule Kazaure, director-general of NYSC, condoled with families of the deceased corps members.

He said the impression that the corps members were neglected was false.

Kazaure stated that the welfare of Corps members has always remained top most in the priorities of the scheme, saying: “We have continued to strive to give our best in that regard.”

“On behalf of the Management, staff and Corps members nationwide, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased corps members,” the statement read.

“May the Almighty God grant them eternal rest and give their families and the rest of us the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses.

“While we mourn the demise of these Corps members, who, out of patriotic zeal, answered the clarion call to serve their father land, we are constrained to correct the impression of negligence being created in some quarters.

“The policy of the scheme regarding healthcare during orientation course provides for the setting up of camp clinic manned by qualified Doctors and other Corps Health Personnel.

“The clinics, which are also provided  with drugs and other basic equipment, are detailed to render round-the-clock medical services on camp with standing arrangement to refer and ensure immediate movement of patients to more sophisticated health facilities when necessary.

“We want to inform the public  that medical teams in our camps have always been guided by the procedures of practice and in the most professional ways b .

“However, in view of these unfortunate incidents in Bayelsa, Kano, and Zamfara states, management has set up a high-powered committee to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the loss the Corps members.”

He further assured parents of serving and prospective corps members that the scheme would continue to ensure the security and the general well-being of youths enlisted to serve the nation on the platform of the scheme.