The orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kano State has been thrown into fear after one of its resident officials died from COVID-19 complications.
Reports had it that the deceased who was the representative of the Director-General of the scheme at the camp was earlier evacuated from the NYSC orientation camp in Kusala Dam, Karaye, about 95 kilometers from Kano metropolis after testing positive for the infection. He was deployed from the headquarters to supervise the ongoing regimental orientation exercise expected to come to an end on February 8 in Kano.
A source in the scheme who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the Resident officer was tested positive for COVID19 at the facilities provided in the camp and was immediately taken to Kwanar Dawaki Isolation Centre on Monday, February 1. Sadly, he died on Tuesday, February 2.
Confirming the development, the management of the scheme said the unnamed official was on official assignment in Kano State for the 2020 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Orientation exercise where he was tested and confirmed positive at the gate leading to his evacuation to the isolation centres where he died.
“The Management of the NYSC regrets to announce the sad loss of our committed and dedicated staff while on official assignment in Kano State, for the 2020 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 Orientation exercise.
“The officer was tested for COVID-19, as precondition for admittance to the Orientation camp, just like all other camp officials and prospective Corps Members in the 37 NYSC Orientation camps nationwide, as prescribed by the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, (NCDC).
“The test result was positive for the officer, and was subsequently moved to the Kano State Isolation Centre for proper care but unfortunately succumbed to the Virus.”the statement read
The Economic Sustainability Committee led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had in June last year called on the Federal Government to consider suspending the NYSC orientation camp exercises for two years. The Federal government however ignored the advice and reopened the camps in November 2020.
Since the camps were reopened, many corps members have tested positive for COVID-19.