New NYSC DG assumes office, sets 5-point agenda ‘to improve scheme’

Shuaibu Ibrahim, the newly appointed director-general of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), officially assumed duty on Friday as the 18th director general, with a five-point agenda to improve the scheme.

Ibrahim, while receiving the mantle of leadership from Suleiman Kazaure, the ex-DG, at the NYSC headquarters, Abuja, said top on his agenda is utilising the potential of corps members.

The new DG assured that he would continue to build on the successes and achievements of the former director general by continuing to pursue a technologically-driven organisation.

Ibrahim said he would ensure the welfare and security of corps members and staff, adding that while in office, he would strengthen existing collaboration with stakeholders.

The new DG assured that he would restructure the scheme’s ventures in line with the NYSC Act.

“It is an honour and privilege that I stand before you here to express my sincere and profound gratitude to God for making today possible,” he said.

“My ardent appreciation goes to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Minister of Defence and Chief of Army Staff for finding me worthy to be appointed D-G of this scheme.

“The outgoing director general has done extremely well to have lifted the scheme to a higher level. I want to assure him that I will strive to sustain the achievements and take the scheme to another pedestal.”

The new director general urged staff to remain committed to work, shun malpractice, corruption and ensure team work and fairness in all activities.

The former director general, in his handover address, thanked the management of the scheme, staff and the media for their cooperation, support and commitment.

Kazaure urged the staff of the scheme to accord the new director general the same support and cooperation and assured that he would continue to remain loyal and committed to the service of the nation in his new posting.

“I thank his excellency, Mr President, for giving me the opportunity to serve the nation as NYSC director general,” he said.

“I also thank the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, the NYSC National Governing Board, stakeholders and the media for the support given to me in the discharge of my responsibilities.”

Kazaure was appointed director general of the NYSC on April 18, 2016, and served as the 17th DG of the scheme until his redeployment to the Nigerian army resource centre on April 26, 2019 — the day Ibrahim was asked to take over from him.

Checks by TheCable had revealed that Ibrahim’s posting was illegally done as the army does not have the power to appoint a director general for the NYSC.

On May 9, the army confirmed that the new DG’s appointment was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari. The army’s claim was contained in the report of the senate committee which investigated the appointment.