NYSC DG tasks employers on corps members’ security, general welfare

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

The Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has tasked employers on the need to ensure the welfare and security of corps members posted to them.

General Nafiu, who gave the charge yesterday in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, during a National Youth Service Corps Employers’ workshop, with the theme, “Fine-tuning stakeholders’ collaboration to enhance corps members’ welfare and workplace experience”, emphasised on stakeholders working closely to ensure that corps members derive maximum value from the service year.

Represented by the Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, General Nafiu reminded the participants that the success of the scheme depended largely on the quality of collaboration among its critical stakeholders.

“While the scheme is responsible for mobilising, deploying, monitoring, and providing guidance to corps members, corps employers play an equally important role in creating a conducive environment for productive and eventful service.

“It is, therefore, imperative that employers provide corps members with meaningful job assignments relevant to their qualifications and capabilities because when corps members are effectively integrated into the workplace, they become more motivated, innovative, and committed to delivering value to their host organisations and the society at large”.

General Nafiu drew the attention of employers to their statutory responsibilities to corps members as provided under the NYSC Act, which included provision of suitable accommodation or money in lieu, transportation support, ensuring the welfare and security of corps members, among others.

He said such provisions do not only enhance the service experience of corps members but, also, contribute significantly to the overall success of the scheme. General Nafiu urged the participants to not only share experiences, but also identify best practices as well as propose actionable strategies that will deepen their partnership and strengthen the effectiveness of the NYSC.

The Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, expressed worry that some corps employers who were once treated with dignity during their own national service, now subject corps members to ridicule.

Ananaba assured that the Abia State government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, is committed to improving the living standards of corps members posted to the state.

While commending the NYSC management for organising the workshop, he reminded employers of their statutory responsibilities to corps members. He enjoined the corps members to serve diligently in their places of assignment and avoid distractions.

Earlier, the state Coordinator of the NYSC, Tanimu, had told the participants that a conducive workplace extends beyond assigning responsibilities, but encompasses quality mentorship, effective supervision, and professional guidance, among others.

Tanimu said it was the vision of the NYSC DG that the workplace remains a critical platform for developing competent, disciplined, and service-oriented young graduates.

“It is within this environment that corps members translate academic knowledge into practical solutions, acquire valuable professional skills, build leadership capacity, and make meaningful contributions to the socio-economic development of their host communities and organisations”.

He said the workshop was carefully designed to equip stakeholders, especially corps employers with practical insights and collaborative strategies for improving corps members’ welfare and workplace experience.