The Minister, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged participants at a workshop to adopt innovative approaches to meet the evolving demands facing youth mobilisation.
He made the call on Tuesday in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Mobilisation Workshop organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The workshop has “Strengthening the NYSC Mobilisation Process for Effective Service Delivery” as theme.
Wike, represented by the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Bunkure, emphasised the dynamic nature of service needs across Nigeria.
The minister highlighted NYSC’s pivotal role in promoting unity, adding that the scheme had been a cornerstone of national integration and development, hence the need for enhanced effectiveness.
“Today’s workshop is a call to action for every stakeholder here to collaborate on strategies that will enhance the effectiveness of this programme,” he said.
The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, said that the scheme allowed young Nigerians to immerse themselves in diverse cultures and participate in community initiatives that transformed lives.
Represented by the Director, Legal Services, Mr Gregory Zee, Olawande underscored the NYSC’s value in nation-building, hence stakeholders should be committed to a transparent mobilisation process.
“We are dedicated to a transparent mobilisation process, upholding the welfare of corps members, and investing in digital innovations to streamline operations and provide real-time support.”
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensure corps members feel valued and motivated to serve, ultimately strengthening national unity and youth engagement.
The Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, emphasised the significance of the mobilisation process.
He highlighted effective service delivery as an important component of NYSC mobilisation.
Ahmed stressed the importance of maintaining the highest standards in the mobilisation process which he said, was responsible for visible impact in major cities and remote communities across Nigeria.
He, however, encouraged active participation at the workshop, adding that the resolutions reached would shape future NYSC engagements and enhance service delivery.
The Director of Mobilisation, Mr Abubakar Mohammad, acknowledged the progress made in reducing mobilisation challenges through collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the National Universities Commission.
He, however, decried the fraudulent enrolment of unqualified individuals.
“We must remain vigilant and leverage information and communication technology to curb these challenges.”
Mohammad urged participants to upload accurate information on corps members, reinforcing the importance of integrity in the mobilisation process.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop brought together staff of the scheme, Corps Producing Institutions and other stakeholders.
It was aimed at brainstorming and strategising for continuous improvement of the exercise and service delivery. (NAN)
