The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps employers in the country to positively mentor corps members serving in their establishments, noting that this would help them become responsible leaders.
The Director-General gave this advice when he played host to the Director-General of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and his team at his office in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The SEC team was at the NYSC headquarters to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the scheme on financial literacy for corps members.
General Nafiu commended the initiatives and leadership style of the SEC Director-General since assuming office, noting that it has transformed the landscape of the Nigerian capital market and improved public trust.
He expressed the scheme’s readiness to partner with the SEC, adding that the collaboration between both agencies would benefit corps members, the NYSC, and the public at large.
In his words, “The way you relate with them, build, and mentor them will greatly impact their future and the nation.
“They are ready, resilient, and committed young Nigerians who require mentorship. When you take good care of them, they will reciprocate.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama, lauded the immense role of the NYSC in national unity, integration, and socio-economic development.
He said the relevance of the scheme, through the deployment of corps members to the nooks and crannies of the country, has given it a nationwide spread that is unmatched by any agency.
The SEC boss added that there is a need to expose corps members to financial education and financial independence, which would benefit them as they grow and assume leadership roles in their endeavours.
He also said corps members are great assets who can effectively pass the message of financial literacy to grassroots residents.
“The essence of the NYSC cannot be overemphasised in terms of culture, association, networking, and future relations,” he added.
Emomotimi, who reminisced about his youth service year, expressed delight at the collaboration between both agencies.