By Our Correspondent
The Director-General (DG), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Yusha Ahmed has appealed to the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) to prioritise the security and welfare of Corps members posted to their areas.
The DG made the call on Friday in Lafia, Nasarawa State while addressing the National Executive Council Members (NEC) of ALGON at its 48th NEC meeting in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa State.
He said his visit to the ALGON Executives was part of his effort to strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders for the success of the NYSC scheme.
“It is our firm belief that the success of the activities of NYSC depends largely on the effective collaboration and participation of all the critical stakeholders including chairmen of area councils.
“In this regard therefore, it is the deliberate policy of the present management of the scheme under me to embark on advocacy to the critical stakeholders, which is why I am here today,” the DG added.
He explained that the contribution of the Local Government Councils is critical to the success of the scheme because the majority of the corp members across the country are serving in the local government councils.
Gen Yusha added that some local government councils over the years have supported and still support the scheme greatly in the areas of accommodation and welfare of Corps members and other logistical supports.
He however said that regrettably a some councils do not pay attention to issues concerning the Corps members security as and welfare.
He appealed that the leadership of ALGON should impress on their colleagues across the country to support Corps members with accommodations and provide them with welfare support to make their stay worthwhile.
He also said area councils should provide befitting offices to their local government Inspectors as well as means of transportation for proper inspection to ensure better and quality service delivery.
The NYSC DG, therefore, assured that they would ensure that the corp members continued to intervene in the areas of health, education, infrastructures, agriculture, sanitation, and traffic among others through their robust community development service.
Responding on behalf of the association, Alh. Aminu Muazu-Maifata, ALGON President appreciated the DG for reminding them of their responsibilities to complement the Federal Government and the scheme.
Muazu-Maifata who is the National Chairman as well as the Chairman Lafia Local Government, assured that the Association would do the needful to ensure the smooth running of the scheme.
He assured the DG that they would deliberate on the issues he has raised on the need to improve their commitments to NYSC.