The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria has reviewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the country for a more robust welfare package and enhanced security for Corps Members and its officials during elections.
During the signing of the reviewed MoU, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Major General Shuaibu, at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital, said the involvement of Corps Members in the country’s electoral process had brought more credibility to the electoral process.
Corps Members’ Commitment
According to a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations of the NYSC, Mr.Emeka Mgbemena, the Director-General, promised that the Scheme would continue to sustain the relationship with INEC, adding that Corps Members are always willing to contribute their quota to the overall development of the country, especially in the enthronement of credible elections.
“I want to urge INEC that we will continue to sustain the relationship. I can assure you that Corps Members are willing, patriotic, and ready to put in their best in the country’s service,” he said.
INEC Chairman’s Approbation
The INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in his remarks, said Nigeria is fortunate to have a Scheme called NYSC, adding that the Scheme’s participation in previous elections in different states across the country was commendable.
“I cannot imagine the conduct of credible elections happening in Nigeria without the NYSC. Youth Corps Members are among the most educated, most committed, most patriotic and the most readily available election-duty staff in Nigeria,” INEC Chairman stated.
Mahmood said the reviewed MoU had identified eleven obligations by INEC and ten obligations by NYSC.
INEC’s Promise
The INEC boss promised to make the security and welfare of Corps Members on election duty a top priority. He added that the MoU also provides insurance for all ad-hoc staff under the INEC Personnel Electoral Hazard Policy during the election.
“This covers injury, permanent disability, loss of life or property, or any person declared missing while carrying out the commission’s assigned duties.
“I want to assure you we will continue to take our obligations with our youths seriously. I want to thank you for standing by Nigeria and the electoral process, for standing by credible elections and standing by our democracy,” Mahmood said.
E/Suzan O.
