…Promises improved welfare for corps members, staff
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members serving in Kogi State to embrace entrepreneurship, remain diligent and leverage available opportunities to build sustainable sources of income.
Nafiu gave the advice on Monday in Lokoja during a working visit to the NYSC Kogi State Secretariat, where he addressed corps members and staff, reaffirming the Scheme’s commitment to improving their welfare and strengthening the implementation of its programmes in the state.
Welcoming the Director-General, the Kogi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Chika Chris-Moneke, described the visit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership, fatherly disposition and unwavering commitment to the welfare of corps members and staff.
She disclosed that Kogi State currently has 3,953 corps members serving across its 21 local government areas, supported by 106 members of staff dedicated to advancing the objectives of the Scheme.
Chika commended the continuous support of the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters and the Kogi State Government, noting that the enabling environment provided by both had contributed significantly to the successful implementation of NYSC programmes in the state.
She also informed the Director-General that preparations were at an advanced stage for the forthcoming Corps Employers’ Workshop and the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).
Addressing the corps members, Nafiu urged them to make productive use of every legitimate opportunity available to them, stressing that there is dignity in labour.
He encouraged them to identify societal needs, develop innovative solutions and create multiple streams of income rather than relying solely on their monthly allowances.
Using the widely discussed “Akara” business as an example, the NYSC boss advised corps members not to despise small-scale ventures, noting that such enterprises could grow into successful businesses.
He further observed that Nigeria’s large population presents enormous opportunities for entrepreneurship and wealth creation, urging the corps members to remain focused, innovative and prudent in managing their resources.
On welfare, Nafiu assured the corps members that he would engage the Kogi State Government on the payment of state allowances.
He also directed the State Coordinator to stop posting corps members to private organisations that neither provide accommodation nor pay stipends, stressing that places of primary assignment should offer mentorship, skill acquisition and a conducive working environment rather than exploit corps members.
The Director-General further announced plans to improve the welfare of corps members through increased transportation support to orientation camps, enhanced feeding arrangements and improved quality of NYSC kits from next year.
He equally commended members of staff for their dedication and professionalism, assuring them that the Scheme’s management would continue to prioritise their welfare while urging them to sustain their commitment to efficient service delivery.
