New NYSC D-G Pledges to Enhance Welfare, Career Opportunities for Corps Members
The newly appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has assumed office with a strong commitment to implementing reforms aimed at enhancing the welfare and career prospects of corps members.
Brig.-Gen. Nafiu made this pledge during the official handover ceremony in Abuja, where he took over from the outgoing Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed.
As previously reported by LEADERSHIP, President Bola Tinubu appointed Nafiu as the 23rd Director-General of the NYSC.
In his address, the new Director-General emphasized the critical role that the NYSC has played since its inception in 1973 in promoting national unity and delivering vital services to communities nationwide. He acknowledged that corps members often serve as the only available educators, healthcare providers, and legal advisors in many rural areas, making their contributions essential to Nigeria’s development.
“The corps members are not only a beacon of hope and inspiration but also a testament to the power of hard work, offering a model for future generations, especially in underserved communities,” he said.
Nafiu pledged to prioritize the welfare of corps members, with a special focus on improving their feeding, hygiene, and overall service conditions. He also promised to swiftly address any administrative hurdles affecting their well-being to ensure a seamless and rewarding service year.
Furthermore, he outlined plans to strengthen the NYSC’s job-matching program, aiming to increase employment opportunities for corps members in the private sector. He also proposed introducing incentives to encourage employers to retain corps members after their service year, thus improving post-NYSC career prospects.
The new Director-General took a moment to acknowledge the efforts of his predecessors, thanking them for their leadership in guiding the scheme through various challenges over the years. He also urged NYSC staff to remain committed to their roles and serve as positive role models for corps members.
“My leadership philosophy will focus on reshaping the scheme to meet the needs of today’s society and position it to effectively address future challenges,” he added.
