NYSC Boss Solicits Support For Trust Fund

By Ayodele Oni

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, has sought the support of Nigerians towards the establishment of a Trust Fund for the scheme.

General Ibrahim, while declaring open the 2022 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) orientation course in Akure, Ondo State, said that the establishment of the Fund would enhance smooth operation of the Scheme, especially in addressing the challenge of infrastructure at orientation camps.

The DG, whose speech was read by the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani pointed out that its passage into law would equally boost the skills and entrepreneurship development programme aimed at empowering the corps members for self employment and wealth creation.

He appreciated the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for the success recorded so far in the legislative processes on the Bill for the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund.

“I also wish to thank Nigerians for the continuous show of support for the proposed Trust Fund, especially as overwhelmingly demonstrated during the public hearing conducted by the House Committee on Youth on the matter.

“I wish to once again appeal to the appropriate authorities to provide necessary enablement for the actualisation of the Fund.”

The NYSC boss advised the corps members to avoid using social media for spreading fake news but for the promotion of national unity, integration and development.

Ibrahim, emphasized that one of the major objectives of the Scheme, which is the promotion of national unity and integration, necessitated their deployment away from their states of origin and socio-economic backgrounds.

“This policy will not only offer you the opportunity for broader understanding of the country, but also entrench the culture of working together in an atmosphere filled with friendship, peace, harmony and shared vision of a great and prosperous Nigeria.”

He reminded the newly sworn inductees of the Scheme that the Oath of Allegiance they have taken is significant, as it is expected to guide their conduct in the service year as well as have everlasting influence on their lives after service.

He implored them to sustain the high level of discipline and enthusiasm they have demonstrated so far, especially by remaining compliant with the camp rules and regulations and equally enjoined them to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the NYSC Act and the NYSC Bye-Laws.

According to him, the orientation course, being the first cardinal programmes of the NYSC, is designed to equip  members of the service corps the requisite knowledge for leadership coaching, paramilitary drills and other physical trainings, as well as sensitisation on topical national issues among others.

“Orientation course is a platform for kick-starting various activities that will enable you realise your potentials, and attain individual feats both within and beyond the period of service and I therefore enjoin you to avail yourselves of this once-in-a-life-time opportunity by participating actively in all the camp activities.”

On Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the Director General urged the corps participants to avail themselves of opportunities for self employment offered through SAED by choosing from any of the skill areas they have interest in and passion for.

The Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Williams Akintoroye, who was represented by Justice John Olajide Abe administered the Oath of allegiance on the corps members.