The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed for public support for the approval of the proposed NYSC Trust Fund, saying it would strengthen youth empowerment and expand entrepreneurship opportunities for Corps Members.
Speaking at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja as part of activities marking the Scheme’s 53rd anniversary, Nafiu said the Trust Fund would enable the NYSC to broaden its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and provide start up capital for Corps Members to establish businesses.
According to him, the initiative would contribute to job creation, reduce youth unemployment and help curb social vices by engaging young graduates in productive ventures.
The Director-General noted that the NYSC has remained faithful to its mandate of promoting national unity, cohesion and socio economic development since its establishment in 1973 by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon.
He said the Scheme has fostered national integration through inter state deployment, cultural exchange and inter tribal marriages, while also creating lasting relationships among young Nigerians from different backgrounds.
Nafiu further highlighted the impact of technology on the Scheme’s operations, citing innovations such as electronic identity cards, digital record keeping, online registration and enhanced communication through social media platforms.
On the SAED programme, he disclosed that more than 500,000 Corps Members have registered businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) since the programme was introduced in 2012.
He added that the NYSC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University to further strengthen entrepreneurship training for Corps Members.
The Director General also reiterated the Scheme’s commitment to seamless online registration and efficient mobilization processes, while urging Student Affairs Officers in tertiary institutions to submit details of qualified graduates promptly to avoid delays.
Nafiu called on state governments to continue fulfilling their statutory obligations to the Scheme by providing and maintaining orientation camp facilities, operational vehicles and other forms of support.
He disclosed that Enugu and Osun states are currently renovating their orientation camps, while Lagos State is constructing a new orientation camp to improve the welfare of Corps Members.
On security, the NYSC boss advised Corps Members to adhere strictly to travel advisories and security guidelines, including avoiding night journeys and unnecessary risks.
He added that the Scheme works closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of Corps Members and that all participants are covered under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health package throughout their service year.
Nafiu also said NYSC ventures, including farms, bakeries, water and garment factories, provide vocational training opportunities for Corps Members while generating revenue for the Scheme.
He urged Corps Members to use social media responsibly and avoid content that could bring them into conflict with the law.