The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Etim Esin, has assured corps members that the National Assembly will continue to champion legislation aimed at expanding economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, with particular emphasis on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Esin gave the assurance on Friday during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
He said the House of Representatives remained committed to enacting laws that would strengthen youth development and economic empowerment, expressing optimism that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill, once assented to by the President, would significantly improve the welfare of corps members and staff, while addressing critical infrastructure deficits across NYSC formations.
According to him, the Trust Fund would usher in better welfare packages and facilitate the upgrade of orientation camp facilities nationwide.
Addressing the corps members, Esin urged them to remain focused throughout their service year and take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to become self-reliant after service.
He also charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity when engaged as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.
Earlier, the Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, commended the corps members for their discipline, commitment and hard work, noting that their dedication had contributed immensely to the smooth conduct of activities at the orientation camp.
He described the committee’s visit as historic and appreciated its interest in the welfare and development of the Scheme.
Oleghe also praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his sustained support for the NYSC in the state.
He appealed to the committee chairman to facilitate additional interventions for the scheme, including the construction of a new state secretariat complex, proper drainage infrastructure to curb perennial flooding at the camp during heavy rainfall, twin hostels with a combined capacity of 1,000 male and female corps members, and the provision of 1,000 double bunk beds to improve accommodation.