Youth corps members ‘to get pay rise’

Johnson Olawumi, outgoing director-general (DG) of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Monday announced plans to increase allowances of corps members.

Olawumi said this in Abuja while handing over to Sule Kazaure, his successor.

He said the management of the scheme had drawn the attention of the federal government to the need to increase the allowances.

Olawumi said there was positive signal that the federal government would grant the request.

“We have brought to federal government’s attention the urgent need to increase some of the allowances due to corps members and recent response suggests a strong ray of light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

“The major challenge I had as director-general of the scheme is the increasing corps population which was accompanied with dwindling financial resources.

“It is rather unfortunate that we could not execute some major programmes and activities due to paucity of funds.

“The scheme was not able to handle some of its programmes especially the sports and cultural festival in 2015.

“You may not be aware that series of letters that have been written and necessary follow up to the appropriate authorities on the need for proper funding of the scheme.

“This is especially important now that the current corps population has risen to 260,000 per year.”

Olawumi advised Kazaure to make the welfare of corps members and staff his top priority, and to also boost their morale for effective service delivery.

“On Monday, January 6, 2014, I assumed duty as the 16th chief executive of the scheme during which I pledged to be transparent, fair and just to all toward the uplifting of the scheme,” he said.

“To actualise this, I wrote out my vision for the scheme which aimed to increase the impact of the NYSC scheme and expand its value to critical stakeholders.

“I could not have achieved much if I did not get the loyalty and support of the staff; whether I fulfilled in my duties or not, I leave it for you staff to judge me.

“I urge you staff of the scheme to continue to support the new head of the scheme to enable him consolidate on the successes and achievements so far recorded.

“Your role in the sustenance of the scheme cannot be overemphasised as this has over the years contributed to the development and progress of the country.”

Responding, Kazaure pledged to give corps and staff welfare priority, and called on them to support him to make the scheme achieve more success.

“The task ahead is enormous and the road looks very rough but with sincerity of purpose we will make progress,” he said.

He enjoined the staff to be more proactive to enable the NYSC achieve the desired success in line with the vision of the present administration.