The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung on Wednesday took a swipe at government agencies who reject National Youth Service Corps members posted to serve with them.
Dalung made the comment after the Budget Office of the Federation, Abuja refused to accept a Corps member from Rivers State who had been posted on primary assignment there.
He said such decisions were not in the interest of youth development and empowerment in the country.
“Government agencies cannot reject members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC),” Dalung said.
He described rejection of Corps members by this government organisations as is unacceptable.
“Why will government agencies reject corps members? Do you pay them or is it that there is no work to be done?” Dalung queried.
“The National Youth Service Corp scheme is a creation of the federal government and is intended to involve the country’s graduates in the development of the country.
“They are posted to states far from their states of origin intended for them to learn the culture of the indigenes in the place they are posted to. This is aimed at bringing about unity in the country and giving them an opportunity to learn about higher ideals of National achievement.”
The minister begged the government agencies and private organisations to assist in absorbing Corps members so that they can be engaged positively nation building.
He said rejecting corps members will add to the profile of unengaged youths which will create tension.
“Everybody is invited to join hands to assist our young people through entrepreneurship and empowerment programmes or anything that can gainfully engage them and create wealth for their livelihood and sustenance,” he said.
