The Edo State Government has called on employers of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to take their role beyond routine supervision by actively mentoring corps members, exposing them to meaningful responsibilities, and providing a supportive work environment to prepare them as future leaders.
The Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mr. Charity Amayaenvbo, made the appeal on Tuesday in Benin during the 2026 NYSC Employers’ Workshop themed “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
Amayaenvbo emphasised that the overall success of the NYSC programme relies heavily on the dedication and commitment of organisations where corps members are deployed. “As employers, you are not merely supervisors; you are mentors, trainers and partners in nation-building,” he told participants.
He urged employers to fully integrate corps members into their organisations’ activities, assign them substantive tasks that challenge and develop their skills, encourage creativity and innovation, and create opportunities for professional growth during their service year.
The commissioner noted that enhanced collaboration among government institutions, private sector organisations, and educational bodies would create a more enabling environment for young Nigerian graduates to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Fasina Adedotun, described employers as indispensable partners whose consistent support has sustained the scheme for over five decades. He particularly commended employers in Edo for their impressive record in providing accommodation for corps members across all 18 local government areas.
Adedotun, however, called for sustained commitment to corps members’ welfare, effective supervision, and genuine mentorship. He advocated for stronger synergy between the NYSC, employers, and governments at all levels to ensure that young graduates are not only given responsibilities but are also adequately supported to build skills and confidence.
Representing the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, the Deputy Director of the NYSC South-South Area Office, Mr. Mayomi Sanmi, reminded employers of their statutory obligations to provide suitable accommodation or allowance in lieu, transportation support, adequate security, and genuine opportunities for professional development.
He warned against any form of discrimination, exploitation, harassment, or abuse of corps members, stressing the need to expose them to practical learning experiences that enhance their employability after service.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Mr. Gabriel Iduseri (represented by his Vice, Mr. Joseph Odumamwen), encouraged employers to view corps members as valuable assets capable of driving innovation and development rather than mere temporary hands. He reaffirmed the council’s readiness to partner with the NYSC to improve the overall service experience of corps members posted to the area.
