Worried about the prevailing economic challenge in the country, the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has revealed its plan to introduce a loan package for corps members. Addressing the 2016, Batch ‘’ A’’ corps members on Monday in Sokoto, the Director- General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Sule Zakari, who disclosed this, said that the proposed loan package is being packaged in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Industry ( BoI).
He said: “The loan scheme will provide certain amount of interest-free loans to the corps members after the completion of their one year service ‘” The money will be advanced to them with a view to establishing their various business ventures as the white collar jobs are becoming increasingly scarce. ‘’ The beneficiaries are expected to be made self reliant and even become employers of labour.’’ The D-G reminded the corps members that NYSC is all about national service and national integration, even as urged them to be passionate in whatever they do, saying, “doing so will help you to explore your potentials and capabilities.’’ The D-G said that the various activities lined up at the orientation camp were aimed at preparing them for the challenges ahead during and after service.
He advised the corps to integrate with the host communities, dress decently, as well as respect their cultures and traditions, even as he urged them to help in providing the needs of their host communities. The D-G also warned the corps members against unnecessary and unauthorised journeys during their service year. He assured the corps members that the management of the scheme and all the stakeholders were fully committed to their security and general welfare. The 1604 corps members deployed to the state are currently undergoing a three-week orientation at the NYSC camp in Wamakko, Sokoto State. Meanwhile, Zakari said the monthly corps members’ allowances might be increased if the economy of the country improved. ‘’ The current monthly allowances may be reviewed upward from the current N19, 800. The proposed upward review of the allowances is important in view of the current socio-economic hardship in the country,’’ he added. Zakari urged the corps members to shun all vices, as well as uphold the virtues of commitment, hard work, diligence and excellence The DG assured that excellent services by the corps members will be rewarded with a presidential merit award. ‘’
This award automatically attracts a cash reward and an automatic employment by the Federal Government’’, he added. The state NYSC Coordinator, Mr Thomas Yamma also commended Zakari for his commitment to corps members’ welfare and security. The chairman of the NYSC governing board in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Ladan pledged the commitment of the state government to the welfare and security of the corps members. Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has described calls for the scrapping of the NYSC as sinister, saying it has helped to promote national unity and development.
The Sultan made the remark when the Director- General of the NYSC paid him a courtesy call on Tuesday in his palace in Sokoto. ‘’People making such dastardly proposals for the scrapping of the scheme have negative minds and negative tendencies’’, Abubakar said. The monarch stressed that the scheme “has remained relevant and the only unifying factor in Nigeria in spite of our diverse religious and ethnic differences. He said: ‘’We believe in Nigeria and its existence as one big family. Nigerians should continue to assist one another to build Nigeria. ‘’God cannot make a mistake by creating us together as a country and we will continue to do what is right in line with the Islamic teachings.’’
The Sultan promised to continue to support the scheme, and advised the new DG to sustain the successes recorded by his predecessors.
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