The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, on Friday, described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a vital national asset that must be protected and nurtured.
Ajose disclosed this at Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, during a courtesy visit by the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the GOC highlighted the longstanding “symbiotic” relationship between the Nigerian Army and the NYSC, noting that both institutions work closely to safeguard corps members.
He said: “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.
“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 decried the rejection of corps members by some employers, describing it as an “ugly trend”.
He said: “Corps members are highly talented and resourceful, hence their skills can be tapped into by any employer in addition to their professional competence.”
Major General Ajose also eulogised the NYSC for its numerous contributions to nation-building since its inception in 1973. He commended President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu for appointing Brigadier General Nafiu as Director-General of the Scheme at this point.
He further stated that NYSC is fortunate to have one of the finest officers in the Nigerian Army at the helm of its affairs.
He said: “Brigadier General Nafiu is a courageous, intelligent, forthright and soft-spoken gentleman and officer who has displayed an enviable administrative acumen since he assumed office as the helmsman at Yakubu Gowon House.”
In his remarks, 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 the security and welfare of corps members.
He said, “I want to acknowledge your numerous interventions in several issues that have to do with the NYSC. I have actually received a comprehensive report of your magnanimous gestures towards corps members from NYSC Sokoto State Coordinator.
“Renovation of 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 appreciated his host for providing adequate security for corps members in all areas covered by the 8 Division and appealed for further cooperation.
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