Provide accommodation, transport or lose corps members, NYSC warns employers

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned employers of corps members to improve their welfare by providing accommodation and transportation or risk being blacklisted from participating in the scheme.

Olakunle Nafiu, Director-General of the NYSC, issued the warning during an interaction with corps members in Lokoja, Kogi State, as part of his working visit to the state.

According to a statement issued by Caroline Embu, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Nafiu said any employer that fails to provide accommodation and transportation for corps members posted to serve with them would no longer enjoy the services of the scheme.

He stressed the need for corps employers to prioritise the welfare of corps members, describing it as essential to ensuring effective service delivery and a rewarding national service experience.

The NYSC Director-General also assured corps members that the Federal Government remains committed to their security and welfare. He appealed to state and local governments, as well as other stakeholders, to strengthen their support for the scheme.

Nafiu reminded the corps members that security is everyone’s responsibility and urged them to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate security agencies.

He further advised them to maintain discipline, remain dedicated to their duties and avoid acts capable of tarnishing the image of the scheme.

“You are ambassadors of your families, your institutions of graduation and the NYSC. Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of these responsibilities,” he said.

The Director-General also encouraged corps members to take the post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously to equip themselves with practical skills that could make them self-reliant after service.

He urged them to embrace entrepreneurship by identifying business opportunities within their host communities and starting small-scale ventures during their service year.

“Be proactive, identify business opportunities within your host communities, and start making some money for yourselves even now,” Nafiu said.

While acknowledging the country’s current economic challenges, he advised corps members to cultivate a savings culture and manage their finances prudently.

“Take your service year as a training ground for future financial management by managing your finances wisely,” he added.

Earlier, Tochi Chika Chris-Moneke, NYSC Kogi State Coordinator, commended the Director-General for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare and security of corps members and staff.

She disclosed that the state secretariat would soon organise a workshop for corps employers as well as the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme to further strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and improve service delivery.