Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that enhances corps members’ welfare and service experience.

Mr Eno said this on Tuesday while declaring open the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop in Uyo, with the theme, “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare Experience.”

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ekerette Ekanem, called for stronger collaboration between employers and stakeholders to improve the corps members’ service experience.

He commended the corps members serving in the state for their dedication, discipline and outstanding contributions to national development, especially Odinakachi Kelechi, who distinguished himself in community development service (CDS).

“Let me specifically commend the corps members posted to Akwa Ibom State for their commitment, loyalty and dedication to service.

“Yesterday, a corps member who served at Comprehensive Secondary School, Okobo, received the State Award for Excellence.

“Let this serve as encouragement to all corps members serving in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria,” Mr Eno said.

The governor said that the objectives of the NYSC scheme aligned with his administration’s ARISE Agenda, particularly in education, human capital development, innovation, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment.

In a keynote address, the Director-General, NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, described corps employers as indispensable partners in the success of the scheme.

Mr Nafiu, represented by the Director, NYSC, South-South Area Office II, Godfrey Nwaje, urged employers to provide corps members with quality mentorship and conducive workplaces that promote productivity and personal growth.

He reminded employers of their statutory obligations, including the provision of accommodation or allowance in lieu, transportation support, welfare, security, healthcare, and opportunities for corps members to participate in CDS and official NYSC programmes.

He said, “We must continue to foster workplaces that are respectful, supportive and free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse.”

He expressed confidence that deliberations at the workshop would produce practical recommendations to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and improve the welfare and workplace experience of corps members nationwide.

Earlier, the Akwa Ibom NYSC Coordinator, Ngozi Akuagbaogu, said that the annual workshop was designed to deepen engagement between the scheme, corps employers and other critical stakeholders on emerging issues affecting corps administration.

Ms Akuagbaogu said that the workshop also provided an opportunity to review collective efforts, identify challenges and develop practical strategies to improve corps members’ welfare, productivity and overall service experience.

She expressed appreciation to the state government for its sustained support toward the successful implementation of the objectives of the scheme.

The workshop brought together government officials; heads of MDAs; security agencies; and corps employers, among others, to advance the objectives of the scheme. 

(NAN)