FG wants States, LGAs to fulfill responsibilities to NYSC

THE Federal Government  (FG) on Tuesday, called on States, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and other stakeholders to take up their respective responsibilities to the National Youth Service Corps  (NYSC) as stated in the Scheme’s Act.

The Minister of Youths and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare gave the charge while giving his goodwill message at a meeting with representatives of State Governments, organised by the NYSC in Abuja.

He said although the country in the last 46years had contributed to socio-economic, political and cultural development stressing the need for more to be done.

“No doubt, the Scheme has made immense contributions to the socio-economic, political and cultural development of our great country.  To sustain these achievements, all tiers of Government need to fulfill their obligations toward ensuring smooth operations of the Scheme,” he said.

While speaking on the theme “Optimizing the potentials of Corps Members for National unity and Development: The Role State Governments as Stakeholders”, the Minister stressed that for the potentials of Corps members to be fully harnessed for national development, a conducive working atmosphere must be created for them.

ALSO READ: Nigerian Army, Police pledge protection for NYSC members in Bayelsa

He noted that the successes recorded by Corps members in the past are being impaired by the inability of critical stakeholders, especially States and Local Governments to fully discharge their statutory responsibilities to the Scheme.

He added that: “Reversing this trend will surely increase the tempo of contributions of Corps participants to the improvement of the living standard of our people, especially in rural communities.”

Earlier, the Director-General( NYSC), Brigadier General Sharibu Ibrahim said the programme was jeered toward strengthening existing collaborations with critical stakeholders of the scheme.

He said this is crucial to the smooth operations of the Scheme as most of its activities are undertaken at the grassroots.

Similarly, he stated that the Scheme’s Act saddle State and Local Governments with specific responsibilities, especially in terms of providing facilities.

To this end, he appealed to the Nigerian Governors Forum and ALGONQUIN to support the Scheme’s Advocacy for the adequate discharge of the statutory obligation of States and LGAS.