The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier Gen. Y.D Ahmed, has urged relevant stakeholders to join hands to support the scheme’s efforts in promoting gender equality and combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The NYSC DG stated this in his keynote address which was delivered by the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche who was represented by the Assistant Director, HRM, Mrs Arifayan Ngozi during the 2024 Gender Sensitization programme held at the NYSC State Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, themed ‘Gender Equality: Respect All”, brought together officials from the NYSC, Corps members of the Gender CDS group, and students from Army Barracks Grammar School, Ibadan and Community Grammar School, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The NYSC boss stated that the NYSC Scheme is a leading organization championing the campaign against gender inequality through the gender vanguard CDS group, which is actively conducting campaigns in rural areas.
While emphasising the need for stakeholders to adopt a more proactive approach towards combating gender issues, the DG added that the scheme would continue in its efforts to promote gender equality and sensitise people to stop violence against the vulnerable set of people within the communities thereby creating an enabling environment for all.
Delivering his address, Head of reforms, NYSC Directorate Headquarters, Abuja, represented by Mr Adah Monday, a staff of the Unit, said the programme aimed to highlight the issues of GBV and gender inequality and raise awareness among community members, especially in rural areas.
In his lecture, the resource person, Pastor Oludayo Olugbemi, stated that one of the effective approaches to addressing gender inequality and GBV is re-orientating individuals about how they perceive themselves and others within their environment.
Also speaking, a senior Staff of NYSC, Mr Olukokun Jamiu, emphasised the danger of child abuse such as suicide, and low self-esteem amongst others. He, therefore, called on parents to recognise and embrace the unique qualities of each child and reject all forms of abuse.
Equally, Dr. Mrs Olubunmi Ikusemoro enlightened the participants on steps to take whenever they experience any form of abuse and encouraged them to always speak up not minding whoever is involved in the abuse.
Highlight of the event was a playlet presented by the Gender and SERVICOM CDS group.
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