The minister of youth development, Mr Boni Haruna, has assured members of the governing board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of the ministry’s maximum support and commitment, pledging non-interference in their statutory responsibilities.
Haruna who was speaking during a courtesy visit of the board to the ministry, stated that the ministry would complement the efforts of the board to ensure that it delivers on its mandate.
“We assure you that we will not interfere in you statutory responsibility. We are supposed to oversee areas that we can come in as a parent ministry. We will complement on your effort so that you can deliver on your mandate,” he assured.
He commended the different programmes being carried out by the scheme, particularly the ‘war against poverty’ adding that with the success story recorded in the programme, the proposed national youth development fund was attainable.
“If they can succeed with a record of N3,060 beneficiaries and a very impressive record of the payment which is about N500, I think it is a testimony that if we have this fund, we have the capacity to run it,” he said.
He called for the sustenance of the principle of discipline on which basis the scheme was formed as no meaningful development could be achieved where there is absence of discipline.
Earlier, the chairman of the board, Chief Gordon Bozimo, appealed for the expansion of areas of posting of corps members beyond the present four key areas and also called for more funding of the scheme in view of its increasing responsibilities.
Bozimo noted that the board has initiated actions to review the existing NYSC posting policy, with a view to addressing the perennial problem of under-utilisation and rejection of corps member. (Leadership)