The Schedule Desk Officer Of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Mrs Catherine Otemuyiwa, has enlightened the 202l Batch B, Stream 2 Corps members on FOIA, it's origin, and how it can be used for their advantage.

The lecture took place at the Multi-purpose hall of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, on Wednesday, where she sensitised the Corps Members on the importance of FOIA and how they can leverage on the opportunities that accompany it.

Furthermore, she stated that the FOIA law was signed on the 28th of May 2011. Buttressing her point, she stated that the nucleus of the FOIA is information. She defined the FOIA as the act of making public records available to the public and also granting the public access to the records. She stressed that for every government that wants to experience openness, transparency and accountability which are hallmarks of good governance, it must enshrine the freedom of information law.

Otemuyiwa stated the tenets upon which the freedom of information is hinged, which are: to make public records and information freely available, to give the public the right to access information, to protect some information and to protect whistle blowers, as whistle blowing helps to stamp out corruption.

She also listed some of the 32 sections under FOIA, including access to the records, information about public institutions, request for access to records, time for granting the request of FOIA and some of their exemptions in which certain information such as personal and third party information cannot be released to the public except if the public interest in such records outweighs personal interest or injury which may occur from the release.

In conclusion she encouraged Corps Members to utilize the FOIA and also ensure that the public knows about the act. She also added that Corps Members should enlighten the workers at their Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) about the importance of creating and maintaining good records and also enlighten the community about the importance of FOIA.

Mrs Dolapo Ogunsola from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has enlightened the 202l Batch B stream 2 Corps members on the benefits attached to the agriculture business.

She gave the enlightenment at the multipurpose hall of the NYSC permanent orientation camp, Ede, on Tuesday.

She defined agricbusiness as a form of agriculture that exposes one to the business avenue and does not necessarily requires one to be on the farm.

She noted Agribusiness value chain to consist of Production, Processing, Marketing and Packaging which one can key into depending on one's interest.

Furthermore, she highlighted the fact that agribusiness is lucrative and as such should be harnessed by corps members to enhance their earning capacity.

In conclusion, she stated that Agribusiness can be done concurrently with other jobs. She therefore encouraged everyone never to look down on such openings but make the best out of them.

The Deputy Director Ministry of Education Osun State, Mrs Odewumi earlier this morning addressed the 202l Batch B stream 2 Corps members on the professionalism and nobility of the teaching profession.

While enlightening the corps members on their role in the classroom, she described teaching as a noble profession that requires a lot of commitment and sacrifice. "A teacher is a person whose duty is to teach students to acquire knowledge and is expected to be a counselor to the student".

She further highlighted the qualities of an effective teacher to be: a psychologist, must be able to communicate effectively, must have a friendly attitude, must be patient and take time to prepare and be organised.

Furthermore, she encouraged corps members to comport themselves well in dressing by dressing moderately, obey all lawful instructions, accept official responsibilities to the best of their abilities, and not be involved in examination malpractices and immoral practices with the student, as they are expected to be of a positive influence to the students.

In conclusion, she encouraged all corps members present to be be security conscious at all times.

The Assistant Director Corps Welfare And Health Services NYSC Osun State, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, has told the 202l Batch B stream 2 Corps Members to take advantage of the health initiatives available in the scheme for their benefit.

Alhaji Adamu educated the Corps Members on the nature and functions of the Branch. He stressed that Corps Welfare is concerned with the wellbeing of Corps Members during the service year. He informed them of ways that they can look after themselves during the service year. He informed them on the healthcare services in camp to which they are entitled to and encouraged them to take advantage of the camp clinic when they are indisposed.

Adamu who addressed the Corps Members at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Monday, spoke about the concern and commitment of the Branch to Corps Members. He went on to implore Corps Members to avoid unnecessary travels, so as to reduce the possibility of being involved in auto mobile accidents.

Still speaking on health services, he advised Corps Members to take advantage of the health facilities of their PPA during their service year.

On the kinds of leave Corps Members are entitled to, Alhaji Adamu listed, among others, sick leave, maternity leave, examination leave, wedding leave and convocation leave. He explained the steps to be taken by Corps Members applying for leave, highlighting the importance of following them.

He wrapped up the lecture by telling Corps members to not be indifferent to the people at their PPA, but learn their culture, live peacefully with them and be advocators of peace.