(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/youthdev-300x192.jpg) In the spirit of the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, the Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir has stated that the reform of the National Youth Service Corps by the Federal Government is to enable the scheme respond appropriately to current realities; while delivering on the mandate of fostering national cohesion and integration of thousands of Nigerian youth graduates from diverse backgrounds.
(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/youthdeve-300x192.jpg)Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual Management Conference of the NYSC, holding in Sokoto, Inuwa Abdulkadir disclosed that "As we have recently demonstrated, greater success of the NYSC has been impeded by challenges arising from current realities hence the compelling need to embark on the reform process." He justified the commitment to the reform process by stating that "The reform reflects the untiring determination of the Federal Government to maximize the desired impact of the NYSC on attainment of national unity and the overall development of the youths."
The Minister, while acknowledging the contributions of the scheme in the last 40 years, noted that the scheme is more needed at this time in our national life. He thus enjoined top managers of the scheme to utilize the forum to thoroughly review and evaluate the implementation of its policies and programmes in order to strategize towards achieving the fundamental objectives of the scheme.
Inuwa Abdul-Kadir therefore drew their attention to some germane issues which must engage their minds during the conference. These include, the need for administrative re-structuring to tackle unwieldy administrative structure and attendant bureaucratic bottlenecks; the need to adhere to the posting policy to its logical conclusion with relevance to the NYSC Act; and the need for developing appropriate strategy and internal mechanism for optimal performance in line with Performance Management Contract initiative of this administration.
He also implored the administrators to address the existence of fake orientation camps. He charged them to ensure they re-assess and fine tune the modalities for greater impact, of the various youth empowerment programmes for corps members so that they can be empowered to benefit from other entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes of the Federal Government such as Youwin, SURE-P and the new Graduate Internship Scheme.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko who declared the conference open, has assured that in appreciation of the laudable contributions of the NYSC to socio-economic development of the State in areas of health, agriculture and education, he is committed to enhancing the scheme through the completion of the magnificent permanent orientation camp which is at a final stage.
Those at the opening ceremony were the Director-General of NYSC, representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, State Coordinators and Directorate staff from the NYSC headquarter.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria