The Federal Government has concluded plans to partner the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Foundation to bolster
youth engagement and address pressing challenges faced by young people in the country.
The Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande, made this known in Abuja on Thursday when the management of the foundation,
led by the Executive Secretary, Ventim Bako, paid him a courtesy visit.
Olawande said that the partnership was to deter young people from engaging in negative behaviors by providing them with meaningful opportunities and support.
He said “if we can have foundations in the 774 local government areas in the country, it will go a long way in engaging youths and deter them from ill behaviors.
“However, we cannot drive all these alone. As a result, we are partnering the NYSC Foundation to engage our youths in Agriculture, Arts and Crafts, ICT, among others.
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“We have to work closer to engage them to make this achievable.”
The minister, therefore, reiterated willingness to work toward improving the lives of Nigerian youths, saying that “they will be the ones the country will be looking up
to in future.”
According to him, he will carry out his service passionately so that by the time he leaves office, his works will speak for him.
Olawande said that the bill on the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund has passed first reading, awaiting second reading at the red chamber.
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In his response, Bako explained that the foundation as an alumni and umbrella body that unifies ex-youth corps members and serving members,
would appreciate good and robust partnership with the ministry.
According to him, it will help to build the capacity and encourage the teeming youths to develop entrepreneurial skills for their self reliance as building block for national development.
“We wish to commend the government for the continuous support and funding of the NYSC scheme,” he added.
