Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu officially assumed office as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Thursday in Abuja, vowing to enhance the welfare of both staff and corps members.
During the handover ceremony from his predecessor, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, Nafiu emphasized his commitment to providing transparent and effective leadership to advance the NYSC scheme.
He also highlighted plans to strengthen the job-matching programme for graduates, ensuring that more corps members secure positions in the private sector during their service year.
“This initiative will also aim at incentivising employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year,” he said.
Nafiu stressed that the well-being of corps members would remain a top priority under his leadership.
“We will work hard to ensure that their service is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. My team and I shall work tirelessly to enhance camp feeding and hygiene,” he added.
He acknowledged that the establishment of the NYSC in 1973 was a strategic move that had significantly contributed to the socio-cultural integration of the country.
“The scheme has fostered mutual understanding and trust among the people, regardless of origin,” he noted.
He also praised the contributions of corps members in community development, describing them as a vital part of national unity.
“In many rural areas, corps members are the only qualified educators, health providers, legal advisors, and professionals that these communities have ever known. They serve as a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a symbol of hard work for future generations,” he said.
Nafiu called on NYSC staff to support his administration in implementing new programmes that would enhance their welfare and career growth. He urged them to be exemplary role models for corps members while emphasizing the need to rethink strategies to achieve the scheme’s objectives.
He assured that his leadership would focus on repositioning the NYSC to meet the evolving demands of modern society while preparing for future challenges.
Outgoing Director-General Ahmed described Nafiu’s appointment as a recognition of his dedication to national service, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring progress and innovation to the scheme.
Starreporters reports that Nafiu holds a Master’s Degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.
An alumnus of three Army War Colleges, he has served in various capacities in Nigeria and international peacekeeping missions. Before he was appointed NYSC Director-General, he was the Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
((www.nannews.ng)
