Edith CHUKU
Secretary to the Government of Rivers State, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, has assured the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, in the state, that the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ekwe Ibas (rtd) remained committed to upholding the ideals and principles of the scheme.
Worika who is also the Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, gave this reaffirmation of the state government’s commitment which he described as unwavering, during the 2025 NYSC/Corps Employers Workshop held on Thursday, at the Port Harcourt City Local Government Secretariat.
The workshop was themed “Strengthening NYSC/Corps Employers Partnership for Improved Service Delivery.”
Worika assured NYSC management and corps members that the state government remained fully dedicated to aligning the scheme’s operations with global best practices.
He also condemned the actions of some employers whom he described as “unscrupulous” for colluding with Corps Members to evade national service.
The SSG emphasized that the government will not tolerate such misconduct, warning that individuals found culpable will face appropriate sanctions.
Representing the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General OO Nafiu, the Deputy Director of Operations for NYSC South-South Area Office II, Mr. Chijioke Duru, described the workshop as a critical platform for strategic dialogue between the NYSC and corps employers.
He encouraged employers to view the event as a call to action, aimed at fostering cooperation and improving service delivery within the scheme.
In his welcome address, the NYSC state coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, highlighted that the primary focus of the workshop was the welfare of corps members.
He underscored the importance of ensuring that corps members most of whom are serving outside their states of origin, are treated with warmth and hospitality to enable them contribute effectively to the socio-economic development of both the state and Nigeria at large.
The event attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including security chiefs and institutional leaders.
A key highlight of the occasion was the recognition and awarding of distinguished employers who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare of corps members.
Honourees included His Royal Majesty, King Apostle Chinyere Chibuzor Gift, General Overseer of Omega Power Ministries Worldwide; Brigadier General S. Ahmed, Garrison Commander of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division; Dr. Richard Okoye, MD/CEO of SaveALife Hospital; and Dr. (Barr.) Samuel Kalagbor, Administrator of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area.
