By David Owei,Bayelsa
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has called on employers of corps members to provide financial support for transportation and accommodation, or to pick up corps members from orientation camps, as a means of enhancing their welfare and service delivery.

The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General OO Nafiu, through the Deputy Director, NYSC South South Area Office,Mr. Orinmolade Emmanuel, made this known during the 2025 Corps Employers Workshop, held in Yenagoa with the theme “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits,”.

Mr. Orinmolade Emmanuel, emphasized the importance of synergy between the Scheme and Corps Employers, calling for greater collaboration in the deployment of corps members’ skills, provision of accommodation, timely payment of allowances, and proper mentoring.

According to him, “The success of the Scheme is a shared responsibility and it hinges on the commitment of Corps Employers.”

In her introductory remarks, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mrs. Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, commended the Corps Employers for their commitment to the Scheme.

She emphasized the vital roles Employers play in shaping Corps members’ service year experience, urging them to sustain their support for corps members through proper mentorship, timely remuneration where applicable, and, conducive work environments.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman, Yenagoa Local Government Area, *Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari, who was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to the Yenagoa Local Government Council, Hon. Delewari Tarila, observed that the workshop, which was an assembly of key stakeholders, was geared towards supporting Nigerian youths and strengthening national development through the NYSC scheme.

According to him, the theme of the workshop speaks directly to the need for stronger collaboration between the Scheme and corps employers.

He urged all stakeholders to seize the opportunity to reflect, share ideas, and renew commitment to providing enabling environments where corps members could thrive and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development. He commended the NYSC for this initiative and wished everyone a productive and engaging session.

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepadou Nimizigha, represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor of Bayelsa State on NYSC Matters, Dr. Wisdom Richard Poyeri, in his goodwill message, applauded the NYSC for its continued relevance in national development and encouraged Corps Employers to uphold standards that allow corps members to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their Places of Primary Assignments.

The workshop featured presentation of two papers titled “The Role of an Ideal Corps Employer in Realization of the NYSC Objectives,” presented by Dr. (Pst.) Lawanson Olugbenga Francis and “Enabling Environment as a Sine Qua Non Factor for Corps Members’ Optimal Performance,” presented by the the Assistant Director, Corps Inspection and Monitoring, Mrs. Essien Ena.

Participants at the workshop engaged in robust discussions and syndicate sessions where they identified challenges and proposed workable solutions to improve the Scheme’s implementation at the grassroots.

One of the resolutions adopted was the call for enhanced NYSC monitoring and feedback systems, as well as incentives from Employers to their corps members to serve as a morale booster with the view of enhancing service delivery.

A high point of the event was the presentation of *Best Corps Employer Award.* The award was presented to *Biseni Secondary School, Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area*, for her outstanding commitment to corps members’ development and welfare in the area extending beyond the confines of the establishment. Receiving the Award, the Principal of the School, *Mr. Larry George,* applauded the NYSC for this thoughtful gesture, he assured that under his leadership, the School would continue to extend its welfarist gesture to all corps members serving within the area (Biseni community); he urged all Employers to emulate the same.

In her closing remarks, the State Coordinator expressed deep appreciation to all participants, speakers, and the organizing committee. She reaffirmed the commitment of the NYSC towards enhancing strengthened collaborations that would benefit both corps members and their host organizations.

The 2025 NYSC/Corps Employers Workshop concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared vision of making Corps members’ service year more impactful and mutually rewarding for all stakeholders.