Umuahia: The Abia State Government has frowned at the allegation that some employers were exploiting the high unemployment rate to treat National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the state as cheap labour.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba, remarked at the opening of this year’s NYSC/Corps Employers Stakeholders Workshop held on Thursday in Umuahia.
Ananaba, who is also the Chairman, NYSC State Governing Board, represented by a senior ministry official, Mr Eric Asomugha, urged corps employers to treat corps members with dignity and respect, “recognising them as their children or siblings”.
He said: “It is disheartening that some employers, who were once treated with dignity and respect during their national service, now subject corps members to ridicule, rejection and incredible conditions.
“The state government is committed to improving the living standards of corps members posted to the state, knowing that their wellbeing directly impacts their productivity.”
In a keynote speech, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, stated that the workshop was always an opportunity to engage employers in strategic communication, harmonisation of views, and to explain policy directions.
Nafiu, represented by Mrs Calista Okafor, Corps Mobilisation and Certification, NYSC Area Office, urged corps employers to commit themselves to the welfare of corps members, including transportation, a healthy work environment, and other essential needs.
“I, therefore, enjoin you to see this workshop and your participation in it as a patriotic duty.
“I call on you to make individual and collective contributions in shaping the nation-building efforts of the corps members,” he said.
In a remark, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Gladys Adama, said that the workshop aimed to equip stakeholders and corps employers with the knowledge to enhance the well-being of corps members, thereby achieving optimal productivity.
Adama appreciated the State Government for providing the enabling environment for corps members to operate and thrive in the state.
The workshop featured the presentation of two papers, with three groups tasked with analysing and proposing resolutions that would be beneficial to all parties in the partnership.
The theme of this year’s workshop is “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers’ Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefit.”
