The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed for public support towards its establishment of an NYSC Trust Fund
The Director-General of the corps Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said this would help the Scheme expand the scope of its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme for Corps Members.
Speaking amidst its 53rd anniversary the DG added that the fund would assist the NYSC in expanding its venture services and increasing job creation by empowering Corps Members with start-up capital to establish their businesses.
The DG added that it would also curb youth restiveness by engaging young graduates in productive ventures that would reduce social vices and idleness.
General Nafiu stated that the NYSC has consistently fulfilled its mandate of promoting national unity, cohesion, and socio-economic development over the past 53 years since it was established by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
Describing as laudable, the vision of the founding fathers of the scheme to unite the country after the Civil War, he noted that the NYSC has fostered national unity through inter-tribal marriages, cultural integration, the Corps deployment policy, among other benefits.
Nafiu stated that the influence of the Scheme in relation to national unity, cohesion, and socio-economic development cannot be underestimated.
Beyond the NYSC trust fund, he spoke about the SAED, stating: “SAED started in 2012 and has continued to evolve, with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.”
“More than 500,000 Corps Members have registered their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)”.
General Nafiu disclosed Management’s resolve to continue ensuring seamless online registration for all Corps Members.
READ ALSO: NYSC Releases Key Deployment Information For Batch C Corpers
READ ALSO: Monthly Allowance: FG Releases Good News For NYSC Members
He added that accommodation facilities at orientation camps remain a major factor in determining the number of Corps Members deployed to each camp.
The Director-General said state governments are, by the NYSC Act, expected to provide conducive orientation camps for use by the NYSC and also maintain the facilities for the training of Corps Members.
He revealed that Enugu and Osun States are currently renovating their orientation camps, while Lagos State is constructing a new orientation camp for the comfort of Corps Members deployed to serve in the state.
“It is the responsibility of state governments to provide operational vehicles for State Coordinators and subventions during camps, while Local Government Chairmen are expected to provide Corps lodges,” the DG said.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.