The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen YD Ahmed, has reaffirmed the commitment of the scheme to safeguarding the welfare and security of corps members, describing it as non-negotiable.
He made this declaration during the opening ceremony of the 2024 NYSC Information and Public Relations Officers’ Training Workshop in Abuja.
Ahmed emphasized the NYSC’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of corps members, highlighting the scheme’s efforts in ensuring their safety across various deployment locations nationwide.
Addressing recent calls for the scrapping of the NYSC, Ahmed expressed disbelief, suggesting that those advocating for its dissolution may not have benefited directly from its programs.
“As the Director General of NYSC, I can assure you that we are always ready to protect the welfare of corps members and we have always done our best to make sure their security is guaranteed and welfare well taken care of,” Ahmed affirmed.
Refuting the scrapping proponents, Ahmed cited the NYSC’s contributions to national development, particularly in agriculture, health, education, and security awareness.
He pointed out the NYSC’s active engagement in agricultural initiatives, including farms in Kwali Abuja, Ebonyi, and Bauchi, spanning over 20,000 hectares collectively.
Moreover, during the workshop themed ‘Retooling Public Relations Officers for Modern Corporate Image Management,’ the NYSC announced the establishment of a new media department aimed at enhancing its public relations capacity.
In a poignant moment, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Eddy Megwa, announced his retirement from the NYSC after 34 years of service.
He expressed gratitude to the NYSC DG, management team, and stakeholders for their support throughout his tenure, highlighting achievements such as cultivating robust media engagement and establishing NYSC Radio and Television Stations.
Megwa’s retirement marks a significant milestone in NYSC’s public relations management, signaling a transition as the scheme continues to evolve its communication strategies and operational efficiency.
“As the Director General of NYSC, I can assure you that we are always ready to protect the welfare of corps members and we have always done our best to make sure their security is guaranteed and welfare well taken care of.”
“I can’t believe that the NYSC should be scrapped. Those agitating for its scrapping have not participated in the Scheme.”
“We have always been active in agriculture. We have NYSC farms here in Kwali Abuja, we have over 20,000 hectares. We have a farm in Ebonyi at Abakaliki, we are very active there. We have a farm in Bauchi, where we are very active.”
The NYSC remains pivotal in shaping the lives of Nigerian youths through its diverse programs aimed at fostering unity and national integration.
