Peace corps: Kudos to NASS

The quick passage of the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill, (SB. 173 and 183) by the National Assembly, especially the Senate, no doubt showed that it was touched by the plight of unemployed youths. The problems associated with unemployment are quite enormous and different forms of crime can be easily traced to this monster. The level at which Nigerian youths engage in various crimes and social vices is alarming. It is capable, not only of affecting the citizenry, but of bringing down the entire system.

In this country, hardly can anyone sleep with their eyes closed; criminals these days wield highly sophisticated arms that are superior to those possessed by security agencies, while armed robbers operate freely, even during day time. Kidnappers, Fulani herdsmen, cultists, among others, seem to have overpowered the security agencies.

Although the Peace Corps has been in operation for some time, the passage of the bill has further helped to create a legal framework that will institutionalise the agency. This bill will assist in employing more jobless youths. Indeed, the emergence of the corps at this critical period when our nation is facing militant groups across the length and breadth of the country is laudable.

The Boko Haram terrorists ravaging the North -East, the militants in the South-South, Biafra agitators in the South-East and Fulani herdsmen engage in activities capable of derailing the smooth running of the government.

Indeed, the task of ensuring that security gets first line attention is the collective responsibility of  stakeholders. With the accelerated passage of such people-oriented bills for the benefit of all and sundry, I think our Senate is not only awake to its responsibility but also dutiful in carrying out its legislative tasks.

The current economic recession in the country seems to be having deleterious effects on the youth, as various sectors of the economy have become stagnated. Business transactions no longer thrive as expected. Happily, bills that could bring palliative measures received adequate attention at the Red Chamber. I make bold to say that unemployment will, by this action, be reduced considerably and posterity will judge the Senate positively for standing out.

It is noteworthy and highly commendable that the  Senate under the leadership of Bukola Saraki made it a point of duty to tackle unemployment in  various senatorial districts. A laudable initiative was launched by the Senate President at his own senatorial district and tagged Skill Acquisition, Training and Employment Centre (SEEC). This, no doubt, speaks volumes about the needs to engage our teeming youths meaningfully.

Above all, the passage of the bill will also assist in revamping our ailing economy. The exodus of investors as a result of insecurity will be controlled. This, in turn, will boost the economy and enhance the improvement of related sectors.

To this end, there is  the need to work on harmonizing the Peace Corps with the existing security agencies after the presidential assent. This will definitely create room for a well coordinated, efficient and collective response to the pervasive issues of insurgency, kidnapping, cultism and other related crimes.

Ayinde Funsho,

Ilorin, Kwara State.