The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has directed the Kogi State office to stop assigning corps members to private organisations that neither provide accommodation nor pay stipends.
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‎Speaking during a working visit to the NYSC Kogi State Secretariat in Lokoja on Monday, Nafiu stressed that employers must create a supportive environment that encourages learning, mentorship and skills acquisition instead of taking advantage of corps members.
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‎He said only organisations willing to provide adequate welfare and meaningful work experience should be considered for corps member deployment, noting that those unable to meet basic obligations would no longer receive postings.
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‎The NYSC chief also pledged to engage the Kogi State Government on the payment of state allowances to corps members as part of efforts to improve their welfare.
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‎He revealed that the scheme plans to introduce additional welfare initiatives from 2027, including increased transport support to orientation camps, enhanced feeding arrangements and improved NYSC kits.
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‎Nafiu encouraged corps members serving in Kogi to embrace entrepreneurship by making use of available skill acquisition opportunities that would enable them to earn sustainable incomes beyond their service year.
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‎He further urged them to remain disciplined, committed and dedicated to their national assignment.
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‎Commending the Kogi NYSC workforce, the director-general praised their professionalism and commitment, assuring them that the management would continue to prioritise staff welfare while encouraging them to maintain high standards of service delivery.
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‎Earlier, the Kogi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Chika Chris-Moneke, described the visit as a reflection of the director-general’s commitment to the wellbeing of both corps members and staff.
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‎She disclosed that 3,953 corps members are currently serving across the state’s 21 local government areas, with the support of 106 staff members.
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‎Chris-Moneke also acknowledged the continued support of the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters and the Kogi State Government, saying their collaboration has strengthened the implementation of the scheme’s programmes in the state.
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‎She added that preparations were at an advanced stage for the forthcoming Corps Employers’ Workshop and the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD).