The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has urged employers to give better treatment to corps members in their organisations.
Ahmed made the appeal in a keynote address on Tuesday, during the 2023 NYSC Lagos Corps Employers workshop, held at Rita Lori Hotel, Babs Animashaun, Surulere, Lagos.
He enjoined employers to set their focus on issues that would advance the cause of corps members, in contributing meaningfully to national development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the workshop was ‘Optimising the productivity of corps members through enhanced welfare and security during the service year’.
Ahmed said that the forum created an enabling environment that would address what was expected of the corps members and the employers, to bring about cordial working relationship.
“ The workshop is organised to address challenges confronting corps members at their various places of primary assignment in attaining optimal productivity, issues bordering on their welfare and security.
“ We have realised that most employers do not pay commensurate amount for transport allowance to their corps members, do not provide accommodation, even when provided are in a deplorable state, yet, they expect optimal performance.
“ Security, being everybody’s responsibility, employers are are expected to keep tabs on the activities of their corps members in this regard and stand in loco parentis to them.
“ Some employers are even hand in gloves with corps members, sharing their monthly allowance together to stay away from serving, this must stop as it negates the policy of the scheme.
“ We have always received reports of employers utilising corps members by overloading them with work; this is common with private schools, though not limited to them,” he said.
The NYSC director general solicited support for the corps members whenever they came up with ideas that would make their host communities better than they met them.
Also speaking, Mr Gbenga Oyerinde, Chairman, NYSC Governing Board, said that employers should endeavour to create an environment where corps members could thrive and learn.
He said that this meant that priority should be given to their welfare and security.
The NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, described the workshop as a crucial platform where employers, government representatives, NYSC and stakeholders converge to discuss, strategise and collaborate on the government and enhancement of the scheme.
“ The workshop is an avenue where stakeholders rub minds and channel thoughts to ensure a smooth operation regarding expectations of all parties concerned.
“ In today’s fast-paced world, where everything evolves, only change is constant. It is therefore imperative that we evolve and adapt to meet the needs of our corps members.”
According to her, this year’s theme is apt and underscores our commitment to providing them with a secure and supportive environment in which they can learn, grow and contribute to their communities, while making a change in the world at large.
“ It is fundamental that we engage in meaningful dialogues, share innovative ideas and forge partnerships to ensure that our corps members not only serve, hut thrive during their service year.
“ Enhancing their welfare and security, we can empower them to be more productive and contribute meaningfully and effectively to the development of their communities, state and nation at large.
“ Again, we are also optimistic that this workshop will bridge the communication gap and forge the necessary understanding between the corps members, employers, NYSC , state and local government, and stakeholders,” she said.
On the sideline, Kenny Ogungbe, Chief Executive Officer, Kennies Music, said there was need for employers to improve on remuneration of corps members to enable them to meet up with demand.
Ogungbe, who recently completed the one year mandatory NYSC programme at 53, said he was proud to answer the clarion call and be given the opportunity to serve the nation.
He commended the NYSC in Lagos for a well organised programme,
“It is a laudable initiative to address the issue of welfare, security and making them know the importance of these areas,” he said.