The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Yushau Ahmed, has appealed to council chairmen under the aegis of Association of Local Government of Nigeria to prioritise the security and welfare of corps members posted to their areas.
The DG made the call on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State while addressing ALGON’s 48th National Executive Council meeting.
The DG said that the visit to the association was part of his effort to strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders for the success of NYSC activities.
He said, “It is our firm belief that the success of the activities of NYSC depends largely on the effective collaboration and participation of the critical stakeholders including chairmen of area councils. In this regard therefore, it is the deliberate policy of the present management of the scheme under me to embark on advocacy to the critical stakeholders, which is why I am here today.’’
He noted that the contribution of the Local Government councils was critical to the success of the scheme as the majority of the corps members across the country were serving in local government areas.
Mr Ahmed said that some local government councils over the years supported and still support the scheme greatly in the areas of accommodations, welfare of corps members and other logistics.
He, however, regretted that many area councils don’t pay attention to issues affecting corps members.
The NYSC DG, therefore, appealed to the leadership of the association to urge their colleagues across the country to support corps members with accommodation and welfare packages to make their stay worthwhile.
He also appealed for the provision of befitting offices for local government NYSC inspectors and transportation for proper inspection to ensure quality service delivery.
Mr Ahmed promised that corps members would continue to intervene in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, agriculture, sanitation, and traffic among others through their robust community development service.
Responding, ALGON President, Aminu Muazu-Maifata, appreciated the DG for reminding them of their responsibilities to complement the federal and state government efforts.
Mr Muazu-Maifata, who is also the ALGON chairman, Nasarawa State and chairman of Lafia Local Government Area, promised that members of the association would do their best towards the success of the scheme.
He assured the DG that they would deliberate on the issues raised to further improve on their commitments to the NYSC scheme.
(NAN)