The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, today, addressed the 2023 NYSC Osun Corps Employers Workshop, focusing on the welfare and productivity issues faced by Corps Members. Brigadier General Ahmed expressed gratitude to NYSC stakeholders and stressed the need to evaluate the relationship between custodians of Corps Members and the operators of the scheme.

The Director General who was represented by the Deputy Director Corps Development NYSC Southwest Area, Mr Ella Aji Williams, candidly acknowledged the challenges confronting Corps Members, including financial support, security threats, and illicit Employer-Corps Member arrangements. He called on participants to enhance Corps Members' contributions to national development, emphasizing their shared responsibility in rekindling the historical duties of the NYSC.

Brigadier General Ahmed urged open discussions to address these issues and provide constructive suggestions for improving the welfare, security, and overall productivity of Corps Members.

Honourable Commissioner for Youth Affairs and Chairman NYSC State Governing Board, Hon. Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, while flagging off the workshop themed "Optimizing the Productivity of Corps Members Through Enhanced Welfare and Security During the Service Year," underlined the workshop's significance as a platform for collaboration among the NYSC and other stakeholders. The event attracted several dignitaries and featured a vibrant performance by the NYSC cultural troupe.

Earlier, Mr. Agbor Udoma Obim, the State Coordinator, stressed the importance of synergy between Corps Employers and Corps Members.

He called on Corps Employers and other participants to collaborate with the Scheme in overseeing the training and grooming of the Corps Members. He urged them to treat Corps Members as part of their staff rather than treat them as birds of passage.

He further charged them to take the welfare and security of Corps Members in their care seriously stressing that the Director General's focal points are strongly hinged on this. According to him, the DG has brought back the workshop to ensure Stakeholders and Corps Employers are not kept in the dark in the operations of the Scheme, its policies and programmes with regards to Corps Members.

He further stated that the workshop aimed to collect feedback from key stakeholders regarding the NYSC programme, creating an environment for the exchange of ideas to enhance its operations.

The workshop featured two lectures delivered by seasoned facilitators. A lecture was delivered on "The Role of Stakeholders in the Efficient and Effective Administration of Corps Members' Welfare and Security", by Mr. Ella Aji Williams, the Deputy Director, Corps Development, NYSC South West Area Office. He provided crucial insights emphasizing the safeguarding of Corps Members during the service year.

Ella called upon various stakeholders to prioritize the welfare and security of Corps Members. He urged Corps Employers to follow proper procedures when receiving Corps Members and to take care of their well-being. Williams highlighted the importance of avoiding posting Corps Members to isolated or troubled areas for accommodation and recommended providing security measures.

Regarding the administration of Corps Members' security, he emphasized the importance of proper documentation, including attendance and movement registers. Williams advocated collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the formation of security teams, and regular counselling for Corps Members to ensure their safety and well-being during the service year.

Another lecture delivered was titled "improving the welfare and security of Corps Members for increased Productivity", by Engr. (Dr) Olutosin Olufisayo Ilorin who emphasised the importance of enhanced welfare and security in productivity. He said that motivating Corps Members through various welfare provisions will go a long way in ensuring their effectiveness and efficiency during the service year.

He urged participants to treat the Members like their own children and look out for them not only through monetary provisions but quality healthcare, accommodation and counselling. He harped on the importance of fashioning a cordial relationship with the members and gaining their trust and respect in the workplace. He further stressed on the need for Employers to keep in touch with their Corps Members and show interest in their well-being.

Discussions and reactions on the two lectures delivered and also on the Director General's keynote address formed a major feature of the workshop, aside the colorful cultural display by the state's cultural troupe, SAED exhibition and the free medical investigation for participants.

The workshop further featured syndicate group discussions on 'Corps Welfare Challenges: Steps to Ameliorate them for Effective Service Delivery' and 'Expectations from Corps Employers in Checking Absenteeism and Truancy Amongst Corps Members', after which resolutions and recommendations made were adopted.

The workshop which kick-started today with the Osogbo Zone had Corps Employers from Osogbo, Olorunda, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Orolu, Irepodun, Ayedire, Ìwọ, Ọlá Olúwa and Ejigbo in attendance. The second phase of the workshop will hold simultaneously in the other three zones of the State, namely: Ikirun, Ife and Ilesa on Wednesday, 18th October, 2023.