By Nkechi Eze
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical national asset that must be protected and supported at all times.
Major General Ajose stated this at Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto while receiving the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who paid him a courtesy visit.
According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, NYSC, Caroline Embu, the GOC noted that the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the NYSC has always been mutually beneficial, stressing that both institutions work closely to ensure the safety and security of Corps Members across the country.
“In our effort to ensure no Corps Member falls victim of 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 is 17:00 hours, any Corps Member in transit has to stop at any nearby Army formation and pass the night, then continue his or her journey the following morning,” he said.
The GOC also decried the persistent rejection of Corps Members by some employers, describing it as an undesirable practice that should be stopped. He emphasised that Corps Members are talented and resourceful, and that any organisation stands to benefit from their skills and professional competence.
Major General Ajose commended the NYSC for its immense contribution to national unity and development since its establishment in 1973, and applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Brigadier General Nafiu to head the Scheme at this time. He further described the NYSC Director General as one of the finest officers in the Nigerian Army who has already displayed “courage, intelligence and enviable administrative acumen” since assuming duty at Yakubu Gowon House.
In his remarks, the NYSC Director General thanked the GOC for the 8 Division’s unwavering support for the Scheme and the Corps Members in the four states under its jurisdiction. Brigadier General Nafiu expressed appreciation for the GOC’s proactive role in ensuring Corps Members’ safety and welfare, listing a number of interventions including hostel renovation at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wammako, sponsorship of camp activities and issuance of travel advisories.
He also appealed for continued cooperation and support from the Nigerian Army in safeguarding Corps Members and strengthening the NYSC’s role in national development.
