The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed for public support toward the approval of the proposed NYSC Trust Fund as the Scheme marks its 53rd anniversary.
Speaking during an appearance at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja, Nafiu said the Trust Fund would enable the NYSC to expand its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme for Corps Members.
According to him, the fund would help provide start-up capital for Corps Members to establish businesses, thereby boosting job creation and reducing unemployment among young graduates.
He explained that the initiative would also help curb youth restiveness by engaging graduates in productive ventures and reducing idleness and social vices.
The NYSC DG noted that the Scheme has continued to promote national unity, social integration, and socio-economic development since it was established by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon after the Civil War.
He said the NYSC has fostered unity through inter-tribal marriages, cultural integration, and the deployment of Corps Members to states outside their regions of origin.
Nafiu also highlighted the impact of technology on the Scheme’s operations, citing innovations such as electronic identity cards, digital record-keeping, online registration, and social media communication.
Speaking on the SAED initiative, he disclosed that the programme, which began in 2012, has continued to evolve, including a recent partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University.
“More than 500,000 Corps Members have registered their businesses with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC),” he said.
The DG added that the Scheme remains committed to ensuring seamless online registration for Corps Members while also improving orientation camp facilities across the country.
He revealed that Enugu and Osun states are currently renovating their orientation camps, while Lagos State is constructing a new camp to improve the welfare of Corps Members posted to the state.
Nafiu urged state governments and local government authorities to fulfill their responsibilities under the NYSC Act by providing operational support, camp facilities, and Corps lodges.
He also advised Corps Members to obey security guidelines, avoid risky travel, and make responsible use of social media throughout their service year.
According to him, all Corps Members are covered under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) health package, which provides free medical care during service.
The NYSC boss further stated that the Scheme’s ventures, including farms, garment factories, bread factories, and water production units, also serve as avenues for vocational training and internally generated revenue.
