Director-General of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General YD Ahmed has called on employers to take the welfare and security of serving corps members seriously.
The DG gave the charge during the 2023 Corps Employers Workshop with the theme, ‘Optimising the Productivity of Corps Members through Enhanced Welfare and Security during the Service Year’ held at the multipurpose hall, NYSC Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
He described the corps members as ‘assets’ to the country while stating that the Workshop occupies a place of importance in the calendar of the scheme, as it brings together critical stakeholders in the management of this segment of youths who have been called up to contribute to national growth and development.
“It serves as a platform to evaluate the relationship between the ultimate custodians of the corps members and the operators of the scheme with a view to discussing issues germane to their welfare, security and general operations of the scheme for optimal productivity.”
The DG, represented by the NYSC South-west Coordinator, Julius Amusan said “We have carefully selected the theme of this year’s workshop having realized the challenges confronting corps members at their various places of primary assignment in attaining
optimal productivity.
“Over time, we have noticed that most corps employers do not pay commensurate amounts for transport allowance to their corps members. Also, many employers do not provide accommodation, and where available, they are mostly in deplorable condition, yet such employers expect the Corps members to perform optimally.
“We have been inundated with reports of security threats from corps members arising from insecure locations of either their accommodation and or places of primary assignment. We are also aware that kidnapping has become a common trend and our corps members are not spared. Security being everybody’s responsibility, employers are expected to keep tabs on the activities of their corps members in this regard and stand in as loco parentis for them.”
Earlier, the state coordinator, NYSC Oyo state, Mr Odoba Abel Oche said the purpose of the workshop is with the aim of strengthening the welfare capacity of stakeholders for the effective engagement of Corps Members for great productivity.
Odoba said the workshop was not only a platform for the exchange of ideas, but a veritable avenue for the improvement of the quality of service delivery both on the part of the NYSC, corps employers and other stakeholders towards the realisation of the goals and objectives of NYSC in the task of nation building.
He said “Corps employers are expected to act as locos parentis to the Corps members serving under them, therefore it is undermining for an employer to be found liable in aiding and abetting truancy, absenteeism and evasion from service by Corps members. It is also expedient for Corps employers to make adequate budgetary provisions for the welfare of Corps members whose services would be needed.”
On her part, the chairman, NYSC governing board, Oyo State, Wasilat Adegoke described the workshop as timely considering the inadequate corps welfare package and lack of motivation by some employers which gives room for induced rejection by corps members or underperformance.
“It is pertinent to appreciate the programme put in place by the National Youth Service Corps in the provision of labour for all the sectors of the economy and the efforts of these Nigerian youths.”
The commissioner represented by Mrs Kubirat Mustapha, said “There is no doubt that a lot of issues do arise between corps members and their employers which can militate against the continued sustainability of the cordial relationship between the NYSC and its stakeholders.
“I wish to assure the NYSC management that the present administration in the state would continue to support the NYSC Scheme and its programmes so that the noble programmes and objectives of the scheme can be achieved and sustained.”
Speaking on the topic, ‘Improving the Welfare and Security of Corps Members for Increased Productivity’, Life coach and CEO of Mending Lives Foundation, Dr Olufunke Adetuberu recommended that Corps members be properly taken care of in all spheres.
“Every Corps member should be viewed as a child, and I want to encourage employers to treat them as their children. Be intentional with dealing with them, as they should be seen as staff.
“Serving in your establishment should be seen as orientational camps, you should teach them what to expect in the real world, understanding the dynamics of life.
“I appeal to the government to do more. I know the government is biting more than it can chew, but I’ll still encourage them to do more. Especially, these days of the japa trend.”
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