By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged employers of corps members to strengthen support for their welfare by providing a conducive work environment, accommodation where possible, proper mentorship and other incentives that will enhance service delivery.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, made the call on Tuesday at the 2026 Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The workshop, themed “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience,” brought together government officials, employers and other stakeholders to discuss ways of improving the service year experience of corps members.
Represented by the Deputy Director, South-South Area Office I, Asaba, Mrs. Hauwa Kwajafa, the Director-General stressed that effective collaboration between the NYSC and employers remains critical to the success of the scheme.
He urged employers to make better use of corps members’ skills, provide decent accommodation where necessary, ensure timely payment of allowances where applicable and offer proper guidance throughout their service year.
According to him, the success of the NYSC scheme is a collective responsibility that depends largely on the commitment and cooperation of corps employers.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator in Bayelsa, Mr. Samuel People, commended employers for their continued support and dedication to the scheme.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC to strengthening partnerships that would improve the welfare and workplace experience of corps members.
People noted that employers play a vital role in shaping the service year of corps members and appealed to them to continue providing mentorship, conducive working conditions and prompt remuneration where applicable.
Bayelsa State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Gentle Emelah, also applauded employers and NYSC officials for their efforts in promoting the welfare of corps members.
Reflecting on his own service year in Gombe State, Emelah recalled becoming the first indigene of Bayelsa State to receive a National NYSC Award, which he said was signed by the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
He urged employers to go beyond their statutory responsibilities by supporting corps members during and after their service year, adding that showing genuine care for their welfare would inspire them to serve with greater dedication.
Governor Douye Diri, represented by his Executive Assistant on NYSC Matters, Hon. Wisdom Poyeri, said the theme of the workshop underscored the importance of stronger collaboration between the NYSC and corps employers.
He commended the NYSC for its enduring contributions to national development and encouraged employers to create an enabling environment that would allow corps members to excel at their places of primary assignment.
