The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has voiced his concern over the rejection of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by some employers and called for an end to this trend.
Ajose described corps members as a great asset to Nigeria, emphasizing that they are highly talented and resourceful, with skills that can be tapped into by any employer, in addition to their professional competence. The GOC made the remarks in his office at Giginya Cantonment during a courtesy visit by the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
The GOC described the relationship between the Nigerian Army and NYSC as symbiotic, stating that the two organizations consistently collaborate to ensure the security of corps members. “In our effort to ensure no Corps Member falls victim to any mishap, we ensure that the ban on night travels for Corps Members is sacrosanct,” he said. “As a matter of fact, we have a standing order that once it’s 17:00 hours, any Corps Member in transit has to stop at any nearby Army formation and pass the night, then continue his/her journey the following morning.”
He praised the NYSC for its numerous contributions to nation-building since its inception in 1973 and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Brigadier General Nafiu as the Director General of the scheme. The GOC further stated that the NYSC is fortunate to have one of the finest officers of the Nigerian Army at its helm. He described Brigadier General Nafiu as a “courageous, intelligent, forthright and soft-spoken gentleman and officer who has displayed an enviable administrative acumen since he assumed office.”
Earlier, the Director General of NYSC expressed immense gratitude to his host for supporting the scheme in the four states under the jurisdiction of the 8 Division. He particularly commended the GOC for his proactiveness and passion for corps members’ security and welfare. “I want to acknowledge your numerous interventions in several issues that have to do with the NYSC,” the NYSC boss said. “I have actually received a comprehensive report of your magnanimous gestures towards Corps Members from NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator. Renovation of a hostel for collaborating agencies at NYSC Orientation Camp, Wammako, sponsorship of camp activities, travel advisory for both Prospective and serving Corps Members, sir, the list is endless.” Brigadier General Nafiu also thanked his host for providing adequate security for corps members in all areas covered by the 8 Division and appealed for continued cooperation.