NYSC DG urges Corps employers to support Corps members on skills, business development

By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.

Director General, National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Yushau Dogara Ahmed has urged the Corps employers to support Corps members towards accessing quality post-camp training on Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) to enable them to actualize their business dreams.

The DG who made the call in his keynote address on the 2023 edition of the NYSC Corps employers Workshop held on Thursday at Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, said the step would assist in making the Corps employers become self-reliance, employers of labour and wealth creators. 

Ahmed who was represented in the event by the NYSC Deputy Director, South East zonal office, Mrs Mary Chikezie also noted that empowerment of Corps members for self-reliance, self-employment and wealth creation has become a major focus of the NYSC since 2012. 

He explained: "Corps Members have availed the opportunities through the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training in the orientation camps. As we work with relevant stakeholders including financial institutions, employers are encouraged to support Corps Members towards accessing quality post-camp training to enable them to actualize their business dreams."

He stressed the need for the NYSC management a high premium on the security of the lives and property of Corps members throughout the service year. 

According to him, "Corps employers are required to equally pay particular attention to the security of Corps Members posted to their organizations," given "the fact that they are new in the environment," while enjoining their employers to effectively guide them on safety.

Emphasizing the importance of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), the DG encouraged Corps employers to contribute to the success of the state.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Nasamu Olanka Diana explained that the workshop programme would provide a veritable opportunity for the cross-fertilisation of ideas between the scheme and Corps employers, with a view to the administration of Corps members, especially as it concerns their welfare and security.

"This workshop will help to bridge the gap, also to bring the necessary understanding between the Corps members and Corps employers, thus enhancing the cordial relationship of both parties," she added.