The Society for Girl-Child Education and Promotion (SOGCEP) has hailed the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, for championing the fight against inequality and gender-based violence in the country.

The group said the NYSC’s Grassroot Gender Sensitization and Advocacy Campaign is a welcome development and a step in the right direction to potentially address the prejudices associated with the girl-child.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Mrs Ireti Bolaji, on Friday, the society said the NYSG DG has by this move displayed an unalloyed commitment towards promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

According to the group, the importance of the girl-child education cannot be over-emphasized, hence it expressed satisfaction that the DG of such a sensitive agency is an advocate in this regard.

The SOGCEP noted tha parents and guardians are now assured that their daughters are accorded the same rights and privileges as their male counterparts during the mandatory youth service year.

Describing Shuaibu as a pacesetter, the female society encouraged other well-meaning Nigerians to see this challenge from the NYSC DG as a call to action in the country’s overall interest.

While throwing its weight behind Shuaibu, the group, however, urged community leaders, religious institutions, local government administrators and other stakeholders to do likewise.

Read full statement below:

The Society for Girl-Child Education and Promotion receives the statement credited to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) calling for collective action from all stakeholders to fight against the ravaging effects of inequality and gender-based violence in society with excitement and appreciation.

This is indeed a welcome development, and we are glad that the DG of the NYSC has lent his voice to this critical concern that requires collective action from all in Nigeria due to its sensitivity and the impact it would have on sustainable growth and development in Nigeria.

The Society for Girl-Child Education and Promotion identifies with the NYSC Grassroot Gender Sensitization and Advocacy Campaign in Rural Communities, which is being launched across the country as a laudable initiative with the potentials to address the prejudices associated with gender-based violence in Nigeria.

As an organization at the vanguard of promoting girl-child education, we commend the NYSG DG for displaying an unalloyed commitment towards promoting gender equality in Nigeria. He is indeed a pacesetter, and we encourage other well-meaning Nigerians to see this challenge from the NYSC DG as a call to action in the country’s overall interest.

The importance of girl-child education cannot be overemphasized, and we are glad that the DG of such a sensitive agency is an advocate in this regard. The above implication is that the NYSC has recognized that violence and discrimination against the girl-child do not stand a chance in the critical NYSC.

This is reassuring to parents and guardians in the sense that female NYSC members are accorded the same rights and privileges as their male counterparts during the mandatory youth service year.
We are also aware that the NYSC is taking the campaign across the 36 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory. This is indeed commendable, and as an association, we use this medium to pledge our support to the NYSC in this regard.

The Society for Girl- Child Education and Promotion states in unequivocal terms that the NYSC DG has demonstrated courage and selfless service to the country. We are convinced that this is indeed an example worthy of emulation by all and sundry.

The call by the NYSC DG on community leaders, religious institutions, local government administrators and other stakeholders to ensure that no man, woman, girl or boy is denied the opportunity to realize their God-given potentials is heartwarming and an indication that once again, this burning issue has taken centre stage.

The Society for Girl-Child Education and Promotion identifies with the stance of the NYSC in this critical point of our existence. And we wish to pledge our support to the success of this campaign that has the potential of addressing this challenge headlong.

The NYSC has proven to be a worthy partner in Nigeria, and we commend the DG, Brig. Gen Shauibu Ibrahim for his display of insight and purposeful leadership, which should serve as an example to others in sensitive positions of authority in the country.

This is on the heels that gender discrimination has no place in the actualization of the potentials of our great country. We are glad that the NYSC is championing this cause, and it is hoped that other organizations will take a cue in this regard.

As an organization, we extend our support and commendation to the NYSC. We wish to state that the NYSC should see in us a worthy partner in the campaign’s success in the fight against the ravaging effects of inequality and gender-based violence in society.

Director-General National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Shuaibu Ibrahim (Assoc. Prof. DSS Ph.D MTRCN) has called for collective action from all stakeholders in the fight against the ravaging effects of inequality and gender-based violence in the society.

The Director-General made the call during the flag-off of the first phase of NYSC Grassroot Gender Sensitisation and Advocacy Campaign in Rural Communities, held at Government Day Secondary School, Sunkaani, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

In an address read by the State Coordinator NYSC Taraba State Mr Anthony Nzoka, the NYSC DG lamented the discrimination against the female gender in some communities and warned against the physical harm and psychological effects of such discrimination to women and girls.

General Shuaibu therefore called on community leaders, religious institutions, local government administrators and other stakeholders to ensure that no man, woman, girl or boy is denied the opportunity to realise their God given potentials.

The NYSC Top Boss reiterated the Scheme’s continued support and advocacy on gender matters and thanked all stakeholders and partners for their support.

Responding on behalf of the Local Government Area, the Hon. Chairman, Ardo-Kola Local Government, who was represented by the Director, General Services and Administration, Mr. Alexander Bingan expressed his sincere appreciation to the NYSC for the sensitisation program. He assured all present of the support of the Council in the fight against gender based violence and discrimination and called for the extension of the sensitisation to other communities within the LGA.

Present also at the flag-off ceremony were the Director PRS Ardo-Kola LGA Mr Bappa Waturu, the Chairman, Muslim Council, Ardo-Kola LGA Usman Abdulkarim, Gender Monitoring Officer NYSC NDHQ Mrs Patience Lenkat, Management Staff of NYSC Taraba Secretariat, Students and Community Members.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim has been conferred with the Fellowship of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN).

This honour was bestowed on the DG at the 66th Annual conference of the Society which held in Enugu on Wednesday.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Special Duties,  NYSC, Alhaji Musa Abubakar and issued to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

In his welcome address, President of the  Society, Prof. Okpeh Okpeh Jr. said Ibrahim and other awardees of the prestigious fellowship were selected for the honour in recognition of their contributions and  dedication towards promoting  the activities of the Society.

It added: “The honour was also bestowed on them sewuel to the exemplary leadership qualities they have exhibited in the positions they occupy in their various careers and academics.

” The  awardees are by investiture as Fellows of the HSN are now members of a select group tasked with ensuring the survival of History as a field of academic endeavour.

” I  am urging them not to rest on their oars but strive to achieve more,”he added.

Okpeh used the opportunity to thank the DG NYSC, especially for his continuous support to the Society over the years.

The president continued:” The society is the first professional association in Nigeria with large membership that cuts across all fields of endeavour and profession, established in 1955.”

The dressing of the NYSC Director General in the Fellowship robe by the president and select members of the HSN Council was one of the high points of the annual gathering of the Society.

It was  attended by members from within and outside  the country, with so many others participating virtually via zoom in keeping with the COVID 19 safety protocols.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), on Wednesday, called on Nigerians to be more supportive and sensitive to gender matters in the country.

The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, made the call in Alkaleri Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi state, during the flagging off of the maiden edition of the corps’ Grass Roots Gender Sensitization and Advocacy Campaign in rural communities.

Ibrahim, who stated that the sensitization programme is taking place simultaneously in all the Northern states of the federation, explained that the programme is a well thought-out initiative of the ‘Reforms Unit’ of the NYSC.

Represented by Mr. Paul Amoba, Assistant Director, NYSC North-East Area Office, Bauchi, Ibrahim added that the programme was implemented on the platform of the corps’ Gender Vanguards with the aim of exposing the ills of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

He stated further that the NYSC is one of the organizations fighting against GBV and inequality through the activities of the Corps’ Gender Vanguards.

“Today, we are here to emphasize that no individual, man, woman, boy or girl should be denied the opportunity to realize their potential.

“Thus, we are appealing to the conscience of community members, religious institutions, Local Government Administrators, Principals/Head Teachers of schools, Guidance and Counselling Officers, Corps Employers and parents to be more supportive, protective and sensitive to gender matters.

“I am pleased to state for the record that the NYSC is one of the foremost organizations fighting against Gender Based Violence and inequality through the activities of the Corps’ Gender Vanguards.

“The Vanguards, who have been equipped with the necessary skills, carry out awareness campaigns and support activities in our rural communities.

“Amongst other strides, they help in the formation of Gender Clubs in schools as well as provide linkages to victims of gender abuse through the GBV toll free line, 08031230651, provided by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs,” he said.

The D-G assured that the NYSC would continue to work with relevant stakeholders toward the success of gender mainstreaming in the country.

He, however, appealed to the general public to support the NYSC Gender Vanguards through the provision of an enabling environment for greater impact.

In his address, Alhaji Mohammed Abdulkadir, the Village Head of Alkaleri community, appreciated the NYSC for selecting the community as one of the beneficiary communities of the campaign.

Abdulkadir, who was represented by Alhaji Bala Shehu, a traditional title holder, promised that the community would give its maximum cooperation and support towards the development of the programme.

Also speaking, Mrs. Dalaki Cynthia, Gender Desk Officer, NYSC, Bauchi, said that the campaign was also meant to advocate for support from all stakeholders to support the Sensitization programme, saying it was important for all stakeholders to be able to stop all forms of abuse against children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some activities that graced the occasion included drama to discourage Gender Based Violence, money marriage as well as the display of placards to condemn GBV by students.(NAN)

The Nigerian Army has expressed readiness to continue to prioritise the security and welfare of Corps members.

The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major General TA Lagbaja gave this assurance today, when the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, paid him a courtesy visit at the Division’s Headquarters in Enugu.

He said the Army had mapped out strategies towards ensuring that residents of the State, including Corps Members on election duties,in Anambra state enjoyed peace and security before, during and after the exercise.

The GOC, who noted the contributions of the NYSC to the socio-economic development of the country, also praised its role in training and mentoring youths as responsible members of society.

He commended Corps Members for their invaluable services to the various units of the Division, including the Command Secondary Schools in its Areas of Responsibility.

Earlier, the Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, had expressed gratitude to the GOC for the Division’s support for NYSC, especially with regards to the welfare and security of Corps Members.

Ibrahim noted with delight that the GOC personally visited the Orientation Camp in Enugu to monitor activities and consolidate on the security arrangements in the facility.

He expressed commitment to further strengthen the cordial relationship between the Scheme and the Nigerian Army.

The Director-General also paid similar visit to the Commander 82 Division Garrison, Brigadier General CA Ataki.

The contribution of the National Youth Service Corps to the socio-economic development of Nigeria has received attention in recent times. In some quarters, it was stated that the contributions of the National Youth Service Corps in the health sector in the country could not be overemphasized.

This much was corroborated by the impact of NYSC doctors across the country during the indefinite strike action by Resident Doctors. It was on record that NYSC doctors indeed rendered invaluable services in most public hospitals across the country.

According to Professor Femi Johnson, a public health expert at the University of Ibadan, he stated that the NYSC plays a critical support role in the health sector in Nigeria. This much he highlighted has been the norm for decades. He said that “people make the mistake of thinking NYSC doctors are not eminently qualified. That is an error of judgement. These are qualified doctors who are undertaking their mandatory national service year.”

“The strike action by resident doctors in the country recently indeed exposed the inadequacies in the health sector, as well as the importance of the NYSC as a scheme in the health sector in Nigeria.”

This much was corroborated by a top-ranking member of the Nigerian Medical Association, who pleaded anonymity. He stated that most public hospitals in Nigeria depend heavily on NYSC doctors and nurses, especially in rural areas.

“In most public health centres across the country, the mainstay are corps members, either doctors or nurses. This is not strange because it is what the NYSC entails. It is service for these newly inducted medical doctors.”

This fact was corroborated by scores of health experts interviewed. They believed that the NYSC as an institution could be classified as an interventionist agency for its critical role in the country’s life.

According to Nnonso Nwangwu, a medical doctor in one of the Federal Medical Centres in the country, the NYSC doctors are an integral part of the health sector in Nigeria. “As a fact, we look forward to the posting of NYSC doctors to our facility to augment our workforce year in year out. This is cognizant of the fact that lots of doctors are leaving Nigeria in droves, and the lifesaver has been NYSC doctors, who are always willing and able to provide critical intervention.”

He further added that the government should act as a matter of urgency to extend the service year for doctors and nurses to fill in the void created by the massive brain drain experienced in the health sector in Nigeria.

“We need the government to address the brain drain issue by extending the service year for medical personnel undergoing the NYSC scheme. I dare say that some states in Nigeria depend wholly on NYSC doctors and nurses to man primary healthcare centres, and in some instances general hospitals.”

He also expressed fear that some health institutions might collapse without the intervention of the NYSC doctors. “We fear for the collapse of the health sector in some states, and the government must come to terms with this stark reality and do all possible to address some of the issues at the NYSC for its contributions in the health sector cannot be overemphasized.”

According to a member of the National Assembly from one of the states in the South West, he emphasized how youth corps members have been bridging an invaluable gap not just in the health sector, as well as the educational and agricultural sectors.

“As a lawmaker, I have consistently advocated for the sustenance of the reforms in the NYSC scheme. Both on the floor of the hallowed chambers and in my other engagements, I have posited that the NYSC remains a vital tool for sustainable growth and development. For example, I know of three local government areas in my state that survive on the inputs of corp members in the educational, health and agricultural sectors.”

“I recall some of my colleagues share the same opinion as mine because they also are aware of the invaluable contributions of the NYSC in national development. But guess for political considerations, they have elected to shy from speaking the truth. And this is sad and a disservice to the country.”

A member of a civil society organization who pleaded anonymity stated that during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the country, NYSC doctors were at the forefront of curtailing the further spread of the virus.

“We must be reminded that NYSC doctors were among the frontline health workers that worked round the clock in governments efforts towards addressing the challenge as it were. I wonder why no mention was ever made of this invaluable contribution. Again, this reminds us of the fact that some stakeholders have refused to look beyond their prejudices to admit that the NYSC scheme remains a lifesaver in Nigeria.”

“ I recall that NYSC doctors and nurses were found in most isolation centres working round the clock. But were they recognize? This is unfortunate, and this trend must be discontinued. We can’t continue to live in ignorance by joining the bandwagon calling for the scrapping of the NYSC scheme.”

It would be recalled that the NYSC management has in recent times advocated for more allocation of resources to equip corps members during their service year through the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund to assist corp members in ways too numerous to mention.