NYSC DG appeals for actualization of Trust Fund

The Director-General, National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC), Maj.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, has again appealed to all the appropriate authorities to provide the necessary enablement for the actualization of the NYSC Trust Fund.

The DG made this clarion call at the opening/swearing-in ceremony of 2022 Batch A, Stream 1 Corps members deployed to Bayelsa for their mandatory one-year national service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports on Tuesday, that the event held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town.

The DG, represented by the State Coordinator, Mr Muhammed Jiya, thanked the House of Representatives for the progress made so far on the Bill for the establishment of the Trust Fund.

He commended all Nigerians for the continuous show of support for the Trust Fund, especially during the public hearing conducted on the issue by the House Committee on Youth.

“The NYSC Trust Fund will surely enhance the smooth operation of the scheme, “Especially by addressing the challenge of infrastructure and boosting our Skills and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme aimed at empowering corps members for self-employment and wealth creation.

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Similarly, the DG also appealed for the support of all stakeholders for the success of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).

He said the programme was aimed at providing easier access to free and qualitative health care, especially by the poor.

“In particular, I implore well-to-do individuals and corporate bodies to take a cue from Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, by donating well equipped ambulances for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinics, as well as other essential equipment and drugs that would facilitate the conduct of our medical outreaches,” he said.

DG expressed appreciation for the support of the three tiers of governments as well as security agencies, traditional rulers, employers and other stakeholders, especially in the areas of security and general wellbeing of corps members.

He reminded the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities for self-employment offered through NYSC SAED programme.

Jiya assured that management would continue to work with relevant stakeholders for the success of the programme.

He stated that the Federal Government’s directive on presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination as a pre-requisite for gaining entry to public offices was still in force.

“Those yet to take the vaccine were encouraged to do so without delay as the rule would apply to corps members at places of primary assignments and other public offices”, he added.

The DG enjoined them to use social media only for the promotion of national unity, peace, progress and development of the country, while distancing themselves from cultism, drug abuse and other social vices.

NAN reports that the 1,400 corps members deployed to Bayelsa, were sworn-in by the State Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri, who was represented by Hon. Justice Timipre Songi. (NAN)