NASS set to pass Peace Corps bill

Lateef Dada

Clear indications have emerged that the Peace Corps of Nigeria may be incorporated fully into the paramilitary to join other sisters security in maintaining peace and security of the nation.

Another indication on Saturday revealed that plan are afoot to pass the bill, seeking total recognition of the Peace Corps of Nigeria.

A member of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Danjuma Lar, during the passing out parade and commissioning of cadets into Peace Corps of Nigeria in Ede, Osun state, disclosed that the bill as passed second reading at the floor of the house.

Senator Lar, who said he was impressed by the parade of the corps, promised that the legislators will do its best to ensure that the bill is passed.

Over 1,300 cadets who completed their one month training and orientation at the NYSC orientation camp, Ede, were on Saturday commissioned into Peace Corps of Nigeria.

However, a member of the House of Representative, Hon. Umar Farooq, who corroborated Senator Lar, disclosed that plans have been concluded by National Assembly to hold a public hearing on the bill in the first week of April.

Hon Farooq who expressed his happiness for been the first to move the bill, promised that the bill will be passed after the public hearing in April.

In his address, the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Amb. Dr. Dickson Akoh, urged the new corps to be civil in the discharge of their duties.

He disclosed that the training and series of lectures the cadets were exposed to, was to stimulate and advocate for stronger behavioral and attitudinal changes that will remodel and re-brand the psyche and general orientation of the Nigerian youths.

He said, “you are to note that in winning the support of the government and the citizenry, you have to be more civil and people friendly in discharging your functions and also be guided by the fact that the huge responsibilities and the demands of your new status after your commissioning are very significant to the attainment of our set objectives.

The Governor of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Sunday Olajide, commended the corps for their role in the safety of the state.

He particularly appreciated the corps for their support to the government in ensuring discipline among the public schools students in the state, promising that its government will not relent in partnering with the organization for peacekeeping of the state.