Chinedum Elekwachi
Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has expressed worry over lack of commitment of corps’ employers to their avowed responsibilities.
The DG made the observation in Awka, Anambra state at 2025 NYSC/Corps Employers’ Workshop themed “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits”
Nafiu, in his keynote address delivered by Mrs. Mary Chikezie of the South East Area Office 1, regretted the consequences of such negligence.
He charged establishments and organizations that require corps members’ services to rise to their obligations.
The DG identified some of the neglected areas to include provision of accommodation, and payment of transportation allowance.
Employers are also to provide healthcare to corps members like regular staff as well as healthy work environment and security of corps members.
He said, “Employers, prior to their applications for corps members, take care of these requirements.
“In the same vein, corps employers are requested to provide for the security of corps members.
Accommodation and security
“The accommodation provided for them and the places of primary assignment must not be in locations where lives and property can be endangered.
“The State Government has the duty to build transit lodges in the State to expand accommodation for corps members.
“The Local Government Councils have the responsibility to build permanent corps lodges in their domains.
“However, findings from inspection visits to corps locations and lodges have shown lack of commitment to these critical requirements.
“The negligence is pervasive. There is, therefore, no gain saying that there would be consequences.
The DG stated that such negligence is not without consequences.
“Some of the consequences include employers’ inability to account for the whereabouts of corps members they fail to provide accommodation for.
“It also increases tendency of truancy when left as sheep without shepherd.
Rampant evasion of service year
Brigadier General regretted the rampant escalation in number of corps members that evade the mandatory service year, urging corps employers to see their active participation as patriotic duty.
“I call on you to make individual and collective contributions in shaping the nation-building efforts of the corps members.
“Duty beckons on you to rise in partnership with the NYSC management to articulate way forward that would enhance our operations.
“Your synergy will also strengthen the roles institutions and partners play to return corps members on the road to satisfactory service to the nation, self-actualization and self-reliance,” he noted.
Bridge the gaps – Soludo
Declaring the workshop open, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, applauded NYSC for “a timely and transformative event.”
Soludo, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Engr. Dr. Martin Agbili urged employers to seize the platform to bridge the lingering communication gaps with the Scheme.
“It is an opportunity to reflect on our roles in mentoring corps members, to share experiences, address challenges.
“We will also explore ways to fully harness their potential for greater national impact.
“I commend the NYSC for this laudable initiative and appreciate the effort put into convening stakeholders toward a common national goal,” he said.
Earlier, NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua emphasized the importance of collaboration.
“The workshop provides us the unique opportunity to critically review our collaborations, identify areas for improvement and reinforce our commitment to the ideals of discipline, productivity, and nation-building which underpin the NYSC vision,” she noted.
