NYSC Urges  Corps Members’ Employers To Prioritize Security, Welfare for Optimum Productivity

NYSC Urges  Corps Members’ Employers To Prioritize Security, Welfare for Optimum Productivity

Onuminya Ochowechi in Sokoto

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brig Gen Ahmed Yashau,  has urged corp  employers to ensure the safety and improved corps members’ welfare in order to stimulate higher productivity.

The DG made the call on Wednesday at the ‘2023 Corps Employers’ workshop in Sokoto.

At the workshop with the theme: ‘Evolving Strategies for Promoting a Healthy Work/ Life Balance for Corps Members – The Role of Employers , Ahmed said the safety and enhanced welfare of corps members would make them to give their best.

Represented by Deputy Director of Kaduna Area office,  Alhaji Namadi Hamisu , Ahmed lamented the increase in rejection of corps members, aiding them to stage-manage their own rejection, under utilising them and delay in issuance of monthly clearance to deserving corps members, which he said are challenges facing the scheme.

The NYSC boss noted that some lapses experienced also included delay in requesting/not request at all for the services of corps members and expecting them to be posted.

He  added that abscondment of corps members, ill treatment at workplaces, lack of support for corps members’ Community Development Service projects and lack of accommodation were among the hitches to being experienced also.

He further explained that the corps employers’ workshop served as an avenue for cross fertilisation of ideas on the improvement of NYSC operations, especially through the provision of enabling environment for corps members to render qualitative and efficient services.

He stressed that NYSC remained committed to fulfilling its objectives, as much have been achieved because the scheme had been veritable tool for promoting national unity and accelerated socio-economic development of the country.

 “Since the inception of the scheme, the NYSC Management/Corps Employers’ Forum has enabled both parties, who are critical managers of corps members, to continually enhance the capacity for their effective engagement,” the DG said.

According to him, stakeholders should always consider the position of  the young men and women on national service as change agents and key contributors to the development of the country.

In his welcome address, the State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Usman Yakubu Yaro expressed joy over reduction in cases of rejection of corps members by corps employers in the state.

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He described corps members as highly productive, particularly when meaningfully engaged in an enabling environment.

He said; “The percentage of rejection of corps members in Sokoto  has drastically reduced. This is a result of regular meetings with the employers and other critical stakeholders to forge way forward.

“Most youths are restless because they’re not meaningful engaged in an enabling environment. But if you create a stable emotional atmosphere, these corp members can give you much more than you bargain.”

Appreciating the State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu for the N5000 monthly stipend to corps members, Usman called for upward review of the allowance in view of the prevalent economic situation.

“The governor’s favourable disposition to issues concerning the scheme is a clear manifestation of his youth-driven policies and his dogged determination to ensure that the state continues to be in forefront in issues affecting the youth.

“Besides, the governor has been addressing the issues of brain drain, including recruitment of teachers and medical personnel. On our part, corps members have also been filling the gap.

“But with the prevailing economic situation, 33,000 can barely take care of these basic needs. When someone isn’t settled, it affects the mind.

“The corps members have the energy, initiatives and capacity to adapt to working environment,” he said.

On her goodwill message the chairperson of NYSC governing board in the state, Hajia Aisha Hassan said the Governor Ahmed Aliyu as youth friendly Governor will provide a conducive environment for all the corps members posted to the state.

She added that the Governor has also priotized the corps members welfare and safety in the state.

She added that the payment of state monthly allowance to all corps members posted to the state will be sustained to enhance optimum performance.