NYSC tasks employers to support corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has urged employers to provide an enabling environment for corps members to enable them to contribute to the national development.

The Director-General of the scheme, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, said this at the 2025 Corps Employer’s Workshop, on Thursday in Gombe.

The theme of the workshop is: “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employer’s Partnership for Improved Mutual Benefits.”

Represented by Aisha Adamu, Director, NYSC North-East Area Office II, Taraba, Nafiu said that while corps members have a task of ensuring nation building, they must be supported to deliver in that regard.

Nafiu said that employers have a tasks of complementing the work of the scheme by prioritising the welfare and security of corps members, to enable them to deliver their best to the employers.

He said the Scheme had provided all necessary information to the employers on what they need to do, adding that strict adherence to the rules had enabled corps members to contribute effectively to the development of the country.

“I call on participants to make individual and collective contributions in shaping the nation building efforts of the corps members.

“It is noteworthy that consistency and fidelity by employers to their roles and practices over the years ensured that corps members turn out fulfilled at the end of the service year.

“In this regard, they should provide corps members comfortable accommodation, organise induction for them to enhance their performance on the job.

“Assign corps members duties commensurate to their qualification for the effective utilisation of their skills. Supervise them effectively and not grant any permission to travel without approval from the State Coordinator,” he said.

Nafiu, however, lamented that in recent times, these activities had not been considered in part or whole, leading to rising truancy among corps members, and reduced productivity at the workplaces.

He said the trend also resulted in little Community Development Service (CDS) projects executed by the corps members.

The NYSC helmsman said the scheme was partnering with the employers to address the identified lapses, to ensure effective management and putting in place the necessary environment to motivate corps members towards nation building.

He urged the participants to use the workshop to proffer solutions towards building an enduring partnership between the scheme and the corps employers to improve service delivery.

Mr Ahmed Abdullahi, Head of Civil Service, Gombe State, advocated for an enhanced relations among all stakeholders towards creating better environment for corps members, to enable them to serve the country better.

Also, Chinwe Nwachkeu, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, commended the employers for their contributions to the welfare of corps members.

NYSC tasks employers to support corps members

NDLEA, NARTO Collaborate on War Against Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

Leaders of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) on Thursday pledged to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight the scourge of drug trafficking in the country by ensuring that their members’ truck and passenger vehicles are no longer available for conveyance of illicit drugs across the country.

The commitment was made when the National President of NARTO, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman led other leaders of the transport union on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the agency National Headquarters in Abuja.

Othman, while commending the NDLEA’s helmsman courage, vision, and patriotism in the leadership of the agency, said “this visit today is not just ceremonial; it is purposeful and timely. It reflects our deep appreciation of NDLEA’s efforts and our readiness as a key stakeholder in the road transport sector to align with your mission.

“NARTO is acutely aware of the burden we carry. Our truck and passenger vehicles traverse every region of the country, serving as the arteries of commerce and connectivity. However, we also recognize that these same routes are occasionally exploited by criminal elements to traffic illicit substances. We at NARTO are committed to reversing that narrative. We believe that collaboration between our association and the NDLEA is both necessary and urgent, and we are ready to play our part.”

Othman said to achieve the success of the collaboration, there is need for “sensitization and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behavior; establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics; deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots across the federation, and public awareness campaigns, using our national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.”

While reaffirming NARTO’s unwavering stand on the drug scourge, he said “our highways must not be used to harm our nation. We want to see a transport industry that supports security, safety, and the health of our communities.”

In his response, Marwa assured them of the preparedness of NDLEA to work with NARTO.

He said: “I have had good relationship with NARTO since my days in Lagos and I’m glad you’re concerned about the drug problem in Nigeria. We are more than ready to collaborate with at your parks and depots”

He however urged road transport owners to always conduct background checks on drivers they give their vehicles to ensure they are not linked to any drug trafficking syndicate or hooked on illicit substances. This he said will save the transport vehicles owners the risk of losing their vehicles in avoidable crashes or to the government in case they’re caught being used as instruments of illicit drug trafficking.
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Troops neutralise several armed bandits in Niger State, lose one soldier

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded a major success in the ongoing fight against armed banditry in Niger State, neutralising several bandits during a fierce gun battle in Warari village, Rijau Local Government Area.

Zagazola Makama learnt that the operation, which took place on July 22 at about 7:20 p.m., was confirmed in a report received from the Area Commander of Police, Kontagora, detailing a decisive military engagement in the troubled axis.

According to sources, the bandits, believed to be part of a notorious group operating along the Niger–Kebbi axis, were confronted by the military in a coordinated offensive that lasted for hours.

“A reasonable number of the armed bandits were neutralised during the encounter. The operation recorded significant success on the part of the troops,” the sources said.

Unfortunately, the military also suffered one casualty during the operation.

Security forces have been placed on red alert in the aftermath of the confrontation, while intelligence gathering and surveillance operations continue in the general area to forestall reprisal attacks and flush out fleeing criminals.

Troops neutralise several armed bandits in Niger State, lose one soldier