Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, on Thursday in Abuja, assumed office as the 23rd Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, promising to improve the welfare of staff and corps members.

Mr Nafiu, while taking over from his predecessor, Brig.-Gen. Yu’shau Ahmed, stated that the core of his mandate was to provide transparent and effective leadership for the advancement of the scheme.

He also emphasised advancing the job-matching programme for graduates, enabling more corps members to enter the private sector during their service year.

He said, “It will also be aimed at incentivising employers to retain a significant number of our corps members after their service year. Under my leadership, the well-being of corps members will always be a top priority. We will work hard to ensure that their service is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. My team and I shall work tirelessly to enhance camp feeding and hygiene.”

He acknowledged that the establishment of the NYSC scheme in 1973 was a well-thought-out strategy that had greatly contributed to the socio-cultural integration of the country.

He noted, “The scheme has fostered mutual understanding and trust among the people, regardless of origin.”

He also lauded the scheme’s significant contribution to promoting national unity through community development engagements by corps members.

“The corps members are the only qualified educators, health providers, legal advisors, and many other professionals that some of our communities have ever known. They are a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a symbol of hard work for future generations in many rural areas,” he said.

Mr Nafiu sought the understanding and support of the staff to drive the programmes he intended to introduce to boost the common welfare and career development of the scheme.

He urged staff to be good role models for corps members, stressing the importance of rethinking strategies to fulfil the purpose of the scheme.

Mr Nafiu also assured them that his leadership philosophy would focus on repositioning the NYSC to meet the demands of contemporary society and tackle future challenges.

The outgoing director-general, Ahmed, said thae Mr Nafiu’s appointment was a testament to his career and unwavering dedication to national service.

He expressed optimism that Mr Nafiu’s leadership would bring a transformative era of progress and innovation to the scheme.

Mr Nafiu holds a master’s in International Affairs and Diplomacy from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

Mr Nafiu, an alumnus of three Army War Colleges, has served in various capacities in Nigeria and international peacekeeping missions.

Prior to his appointment as NYSC director-general, he served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

(NAN)