The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has warned employers that organisations failing to provide adequate welfare for corps members risk losing access to the scheme.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, issued the warning during an interactive session with corps members in Lokoja, Kogi State, where he reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of corps members.
Nafiu said organisations engaging corps members must fulfil their responsibilities by providing accommodation, transportation and a conducive working environment.
He also urged state governments, local governments and other stakeholders to support the scheme by improving welfare packages for corps members.
Addressing the participants, the NYSC Director-General advised corps members to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
He further encouraged them to demonstrate discipline, hard work and integrity throughout their service year, while avoiding conduct that could tarnish the reputation of their families, educational institutions or the NYSC.
Nafiu also urged corps members to actively participate in the post-camp Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as an opportunity to achieve financial independence.
“Be proactive. Identify business opportunities in your host communities and start earning for yourselves even during service,” he said.
Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, he advised corps members to cultivate a savings culture and manage their monthly allowances prudently.
“See your service year as training for the future. Learn to manage your finances properly,” Nafiu added.
