The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.- Gen. Suleiman Zakare Kazaure, has asserted that improved welfare of corps members remains the priority of the scheme.
Kazaure stated this on Tuesday during his address to the 2018 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members at NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, Oyo State.
The NYSC boss said that the management of the scheme was working tirelessly with relevant government agencies to ensure that the federal government enhanced the allowance of the service corps.
“We are not unmindful of the cost of goods and services in the country when placed side by side with the present allowance of the corps members, but I want to tell you that the scheme is not relenting and we have representations to the Federal Government through relevant agencies.
“It may also interest you to note that our involvement in sensitive programmes of government is well appreciated and the feelers coming from several quarters is favourable to the scheme.”
The NYSC boss said that corps members should continue to live up to their responsibilities by embracing diligent service to the nation.
“My dear children, in as much as you are looking forward to improved welfare package from the government, the onus lies on you to serve the nation responsibly.
“Eschew all forms of negative tendencies which are capable of truncating your dreams of becoming highly successful and respected leaders of tomorrow.
“The NYSC has created a platform for you to becoming entrepreneurs, industrialists and future captains of industries with the introduction of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) few years ago to make you self-sufficient during service and employers of labour after the service year.”
The Director General who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Alhaji Abdulrazak Abdulsalam Salawu, said that NYSC had invested a lot in the programme which is aimed at reducing dependence on white collar jobs.
He said that the management of the scheme introduced SAED as a platform for corps members to bring to fore their creativity and ingenuity through the learning of one or more skills to make them independent in the foreseeable future.
The NYSC Chief Executive Officer acknowledged the immeasurable support of the scheme’s formation nationwide which has made the programme record an instant success.
“Reports reaching my table show tremendous support the programme is enjoying at the states especially in the areas of selection of experienced and seasoned facilitators to transfer skills and impact knowledge in the young and vibrant Nigerians who are serving their fatherland,” he said.
“NYSC will not hesitate to deal with recalcitrant corps members in line with the Act establishing the scheme. As parents, we want you to stay alive so that in our old age, you will be there to take care of us,” he added.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Ifeoma Anidobi thanked the Director General for the uncommon love towards his children.
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The State Coordinator reported that since the commencement of the course two weeks ago, both corps members and camp officials had been displaying high sense of commitment.
Mrs. Anidobi used the platform to thank the critical stakeholders and good people of the state for their unwavering support which has assisted the scheme to function effectively.
Selected representatives out of the 2360 registered corps members made up of 1246 males and 1114 females entertained the Director General with cultural dance and martial arts display.
A minute silence was observed in honour of the nine compatriots who lost their lives in an unfortunate incident which occurred few days back in Taraba State.
