The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged the scheme’s Guidance and Counselling Officers to make a positive impact on the lives of Corps Members under their care. He emphasised the importance of providing emotional, psychological, and social support to help Corps Members cope with their challenges.
General Nafiu made these remarks while declaring open the maiden workshop for NYSC Guidance and Counselling Schedule Officers in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
According to the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Ahmed Ikaka, General Nafiu stressed that the challenges faced by young people, including mental health issues, career uncertainty, and social integration, require innovative and proactive solutions.
The workshop aims to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively address the challenges faced by Corps Members.
He stated further that as guardians of the corps members during the service year, the scheme cannot fold its hands and watch these challenges overwhelm them.
“As newly appointed guidance and counseling officers, you are expected to embody the values of empathy, professionalism and dedication.
“You must be approachable, proactive and resourceful in addressing the needs of Corps Members and remember that your role is not just to counsel but to inspire and empower,” he said.
The Director General further enjoined the Guidance and Counseling Schedule Officers to work closely with other officers of the scheme at various levels, especially the local government and zonal inspectors, including corps welfare and schedule officers, to create a support base for the corps members.
“The lives of thousands of Nigerians are in your hands and your work will significantly influence their future. I urge you to take the workshop seriously, participate actively and apply the knowledge gained to your duties in the field,” the DG added.
In his welcome remarks, the Director, Corps Welfare and Health Services, Mr Ayodele Omotade, said over the years, the scheme has been addressing the needs of Corps Members, ensuring that they are not only equipped with the skills for national service but also empowered to navigate the challenges of life during and after the service year.
He added that the workshop with the theme; “Dealing with Contemporary Challenges in Corps Administration: Corps Guidance and Counselling A necessary Tool,” was designed to step up the participants in what is expected of them as Guidance and Counseling Schedule Officers.
He advised the schedule officers to serve as life coaches, help the corps members to navigate past traumas, build resilience and unlock their full potentials.
“As Guidance and Counseling Schedule Officers, your role is to guide, counsel and mentor these young Nigerians, as this is a noble and critical responsibility, l urge you to approach it with the utmost dedication, commitment and diligence,” he added.
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