Brigadier General Y.D Ahmed, Director of the National Youth Service Corps, has called on Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Chairmen to lend their assistance.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, Ahmed’s appeal aims to strengthen the NYSC’s successes, which rely significantly on the active participation of key stakeholders.
Speaking during the National Executive Council Meeting of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Lafia, Ahmed stressed the necessity of local government participation in the NYSC.
He emphasised that the scheme’s effectiveness is dependent on effective stakeholder participation, as described in the NYSC Act Cap N84, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The statement reads;
“General Ahmed stated further that the role of Local Governments is critical to the smooth operations of the NYSC because the majority of Corps Members posted to serve in rural areas support developmental strides, particularly through their Primary Assignments in schools, Primary Healthcare Centres, and other aspects of the national economy.”
“While the federal government is primarily responsible for overseeing the Scheme, the enabling Act assigns States and Local Governments complementary duties as well.
These duties include providing facilities such as Orientation Camps, Corps Transit Lodges, Corps Lodges, Office Accommodations, and other forms of intervention that are critical to the welfare of Corps Members and the overall success of the Scheme. This information was conveyed to the Council Chairmen by the Director General.
“Let me take this opportunity to emphasise some of the critical issues that demand your attention, such as the creation of NYSC Local Government Committees. Section 8 Sub-Sections 1, 2, and 3 of the NYSC Act specify the formation, makeup, and functions of the NYSC Local Government Committee in each of the country’s 774 Local Government Areas. However, many Local Government Areas have not had committees in place for several years.
“As a result, to guarantee that the Scheme runs smoothly at the grassroots level, committees must be established and given the resources they require to function efficiently. As a result, I urge those of you who do not already have committees to form and activate them,” he stated.
In Essence
Ahmed advised those without committees to form them and provide them with the tools they need in order to guarantee the seamless operation of the NYSC at the local level. In addition, he talked about how local governments must comply with Section 8 Sub-Section 3 (d) of the NYSC Act in order to protect Corps Members. In order to bolster security measures, he encouraged the Chairmen to use their influence to recruit traditional leaders, religious authorities, and community leaders.
Ahmed also suggested that local government agencies in charge of NYSC Orientation Camps strengthen security protocols to protect these establishments. Additionally, he made note of how the inadequate state of some NYSC Zonal and Local Government offices affects how well the programme operates.
He expressed gratitude to the local governments that had supplied sufficient office space and urged others to do the same. Support for Community Development Service Projects and transportation for Corps Inspection are two other areas of concern.
Mu’azu Maifata, National President of ALGON, praised the NYSC for its accomplishments over the last 51 years and assured the Director General that his recommendations would be considered.
