The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged all corps employers to improve the welfare of corps members posted to them. He warned that any employer who fails to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members will be blacklisted from receiving corps members in the future.
He gave the warning while meeting with corps members in Lokoja during his working visit to Kogi State.
General Nafiu assured the corps members that the Federal Government remains fully committed to their security and welfare. He also appealed to state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to provide more support for the NYSC scheme.
He reminded the corps members that security is everyone’s responsibility and advised them to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.
The NYSC boss also urged them to remain disciplined, stay committed to their duties, and avoid misconduct. He reminded them that they represent their families, their schools, and the NYSC.
He further encouraged them to take their post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training seriously so they can improve their chosen skills before completing their service year.
“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” he said.
While acknowledging the current economic challenges, General Nafiu advised the corps members to develop the habit of saving, saying it is the foundation for prosperity.
“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he stressed.
The NYSC Kogi State Coordinator, Mrs Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, thanked the Director-General for the visit. She said it showed his commitment to the welfare and security of corps members and staff.
Mrs Chris-Moneke also revealed that the state secretariat plans to hold a corps employers’ workshop and a Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in the coming weeks.
