Peace Corps calls for vigilance in Yuletide
NAN-HG-3
Peace
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Dec. 19, 2016 (NAN) The National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN), Mr Dickson Akoh, on Monday urged Nigerians to be vigilant and security conscious during the Yuletide.
Akoh said this during a media interaction to mark the end of the year in Abuja.
He called on Nigerians, regardless of ethno-religious and political affiliations, to imbibe the true spirit of Christmas season which are humility, tolerance, forgiveness, peace, arms giving, generosity, goodwill and exchange of gift.
Akoh said the organisation had its presence in all the states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the achievements are uncommon to any youth organisation.
“The organisation has opened its state commands and extended the tentacles of its activities to the remaining four states of the federation where before now we are not in existence,’’ he said.
Akoh said the organisation attained this year the passage of a bill for an act to establish the Nigerian Peace Corps by the National Assembly.
According to him, the bill seeks to give statutory backing to the organisation, which is at the stage of harmonisation, after which it will be transmitted to the President for assent.
“I wish to state that those expressing misgiving about our organisation that it will be another drain pipe on government resources greatly miss the point.
“It is no longer contestable that Nigeria, which is currently in the grip of recession, is also under policed, in spite of the avalanche of security agencies available.
“In the same vein, youth employment is on the ascendance. Just last week the National Bureau of Statistics released a damming report indicating that youth employment has risen to 19.8 per cent,’’ said the national commandant.
He said the worrisome development, if no decisive action was taken to address the situation to pre-occupy the youths, would portend danger to the country’s peace and security.
Akoh said apart from creating job opportunities for all teeming unemployed youths, the corps would also play a significant role in the nation.
He disclosed that the organisation planned to move to its permanent site in 2107, while the present location would be converted to a guest house and social centre as a revenue outfit.
Akoh added that there were plans for the foundation laying for the Peace Corps Academy. (NAN)
OEO/EAL/MST
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola