The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been adjudged a rescue agency for Nigeria socio- cultural hegemony, the director general, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim has said.
He stated this Wednesday while addressing participants at the opening ceremony of the 2021 annual management conference with the theme, “The NYSC As A Catalyst For National Unity, Integration And Peaceful Co-existence In Nigeria.”
Ibrahim lamented the challenges in the Nigeria socio-economic space and assured that the conference seeks to consolidate its gains and break new grounds by coming up with fresh ideas and initiatives that will enable the scheme operate optimally while being continually responsive to national needs.
The conference is a forum where top management and other officers take stock of activities of the scheme with a view to map out strategies and programmes that would unite its achievements and tackle identified challenges for improved operations.
Speaking on the need for establishment of trust fund for the scheme, he said it was his desire to find solution to the myriad of challenges facing the scheme.
He stated that that informed the decision of representatives of state governments, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to strongly advocate the establishment of the National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund.
“I would like to once again make a passionate appeal to the relevant authorities to assist in actualising the proposed fund.
“I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate the federal government’s continuous support, especially through prompt release of funds to the scheme. I also extend our gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, the FCTA, and the NYSC National Governing Board for their encouragement and support.”
The director general noted that despite its accomplishments, the scheme is faced with operational challenges occasioned by dilapidated camp facilities, inadequate office accommodation for state secretariats and non-fulfillment of statutory responsibilities by some stakeholders, amongst others.
On his part, the Hon minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Bello who was represented by the acting secretary, social development secretariat, Dr Kelvin Ike commended the current management of the corps for its vibrancy and high level of commitment to ensuring that the scheme sustains its relevance.
In her address, the Chairman of NYSC National Governing Board, Amb. Fatima Balla Abubakar, who was represented by the Alhajii Yusuf Malado, commended the NYSC for her enormous contribution towards fighting of COVID-19.
She charged them to continue in their contribution towards the country’s national integration, growth and development.
