Ibikunle Ajose, the general officer commanding (GOC) for the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) remains a “great asset” to the country, which must be jealously guarded.
Ajose spoke on Thursday when he received Olakunle Nafiu, director-general of the NYSC, on a courtesy visit to Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto.
He described the relationship between the Nigerian Army and the NYSC as “symbiotic”, adding that both institutions work together to ensure the safety of corps members.
“In our effort to ensure no corps member falls victim to any mishap, we ensure that the ban on night travels for corps members is sacrosanct,” Ajose said.
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“We have a standing order that once it’s 17:00 hours, any corps member in transit has to stop at any nearby army formation and pass the night, then continue the journey the following morning.”
Ajose criticised the rejection of corps members by some employers, saying the practice should stop.
“Corps members are highly talented and resourceful, hence their skills can be tapped into by any employer in addition to their professional competence,” he said.
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The GOC commended the NYSC for its contributions to nation-building since its establishment in 1973 and praised President Bola Tinubu for appointing Nafiu as the scheme’s DG.
Nafiu thanked the GOC for supporting the NYSC in the four states under the division’s jurisdiction.
He cited interventions such as renovation of hostels at the NYSC orientation camp in Wamakko, sponsorship of camp activities, and travel advisories.
He lauded Ajose for his proactive approach to the safety and welfare of corps members.
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