By Adenitan Akinola
The Director General, DG of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed has expressed worry over the declining welfare provision for corps members by their employers.
The Director General while delivering a keynote address during the 2023 Corps Employer’s Workshop held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, in Ede, Osun State, noted that the issue of poor welfare for corps members had continually impeded their optimal performance and compromises the philosophy of the NYSC scheme.
Brigadier General Ahmed explained that the majority of those who made requests for corps members to be posted to their establishments did not provide accommodation for them and where such was provided; it was usually in deplorable conditions unfit for human habitation.
He also berated poor security of areas where the accommodations were provided, noting that many did not provide transportation or any allowance in lieu of transport for the corps members.
The Director General alleged some employers of corpers of conniving with them to commit truancy which often put their lives at risk.
“Many employers connive with those posted to them, allowing them to travel at will. In fact, we have evidence that some of the employers shared part of the allowance the federal government pays these children to permit them to leave their place of primary assignment. Unfortunately, we have lost some of them to this truancy. Last week, one had an accident in Kogi State while travelling without authorization, while two others died in an accident during an illegal journey”.
The Director General’s address which was delivered by the Deputy Director, Corps Development, South West Area of the NYSC, Mr Williams Ella, emphasized that the workshop was to enable both parties to find better ways to address the issues of corps members’ welfare so as to get optimal performance from them.
The employers of corps members also tabled certain challenges that continually affect some of the areas of welfare mentioned.
Mr Ademola Agbeko who represented Redeemers’ University, Ede said the federal government should start the welfare by paying a living monthly wage to the corps members and improve the security of lives and property in the country.
Similarly, Pastor Olaleye Sadiq pointed out that the attitude of some of the corpers, like not staying in accommodation provided by employers or staying out till late hours before returning home, among others had continued to hamper the efforts of employers aimed at securing them.
In an opening remark, the Osun State coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Ndoma Agbor Obim said the workshop with the theme, “Optimizing The Productivity of Corps Members Through Enhanced Welfare and Security During The Service Year”, is a significant milestone in the ongoing commitment to connecting talented corps members with employers who share the NYSC vision of fostering personal and professional growth.
Earlier, the Osun State Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Moshood Olagunju urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to understand and clear issues on their obligations in the welfare of the corps members.
Papers were presented by guest lecturers including Dr Olutosin Olufisayo of Adeleke University who spoke on, “Improving the Welfare and Security of Corps Members for Increased Productivity”.
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