Jeremiah Okereke
…advocates for increment of Corps Members’ allowances
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of investment, Trade and Industry, Ado-Ekiti, Ayodele Adeyanju has mandated Corps members across the federation to serve the Fatherland in conformity with the NYSC objective of fostering national unity and contributing to nation-building.
He gave this mandate while delivering a lecture themed, ‘NYSC: Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development.’ on Thursday, 18 May at the NUT hall, Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
According to him, the National Youth Service Corps is saddled with the responsibility of instilling and promoting the unity of Nigeria as well as nation-building, while urging Corps members to follow suit.
Speaking on the issue of galloping inflation, he appealed to the federal government for an upward review of corps members ‘allowances, stating that there is a need as it will ease corps members’ financial burden. He also urged the federal government to assent to the NYSC trust fund as it is capable of improving the socio-economic status of corps members. He equally harped on the provision of accommodation and security measures for Corps members nationwide.
The Perm. Secretary further noted that the Scheme was borne out of the wish to heal the pains caused by the Civil War hence Corps are posted to integrate with societies that are not of their origins.
Similarly, the State Coordinator, NYSC Ekiti State, Chikezie Mary Nnenna, in her welcome address, expressed her joy in the reconciliation and rebuilding role the scheme has played in the past 50 years in a nation ‘torn by the civil war’.
She stated that the NYSC scheme has become the pride of Nigeria and has brought a shift from white-collar jobs to entrepreneurship through Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).
According to her, “A scheme created by decree no 24 of May 22nd, 1973 to reconcile, rehabilitate and rebuild a nation torn by the civil war’ has today become the pride of the nation.
“The most substantial glory of a country is in virtuous youths. Her prosperity depends on it’s disposition to learn from them. This, Nigeria has been able to achieve through the NYSC Scheme.
“Aside from all these, the NYSC Scheme, the brainchild of the Government, has brought about a viral positive shift from the craze for white collar jobs to entrepreneurship.” She said.
Other major highlights of the event were testimonials and award presentations.
Giving a testimonial, the Elemure of Emure Kingdom, HRM Oba Emmanuel Adebowale Adebayo, lauded the Scheme for giving young Nigerians opportunities to impact on the nation at large. He appealed to host communities and Corps employers to treat Corps members with love and care, describing the Corps members as agents of monumental change.
However, he stressed that it is imperative to reform the scheme to accommodate post-NYSC entrepreneurial allowance which will help establish Corps members’ businesses.
Awardees of the event include Funmilayo Grace Oluwatoyin, who bagged the Long Service Award after having worked in the scheme for 32 years. Other awardees were Adebayo Kayode, Head of ICT, Ekiti State; Arinjale of Ise Ekiti; Oluwuro of Orun Ekiti; Oba Owa of Odo-Ayedun; an ex-corp member, Mayowa Job who produced the SAED jingle which has earned nation-wide recognition.