THE Minister of State for Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande has applauded the National Assembly over the passage of the NYSC Trust fund Bill, noting that the lawmakers have given a significant boost to the efforts to enhance skill acquisition, training and generally empower graduates who take part in the national youth service programme.

Olawande, who noted the painstaking legislative process that culminated in the eventual passage of the bill since it was first presented over two years ago, said it was a huge relief that the 10th National Assembly has now made history with the passage of the game-changing bill that promises to speed up efforts to productively engage Nigeria’s graduate youths.

According to the Minister, the NYSC Trust fund Bill is a great milestone achievement for which everyone who took part in its actualization deserve a great deal of commendation.

“It is refreshing and heartwarming to receive the news of the passage of this important Bill. I congratulate the NYSC family in particular and extend a special appreciation to the sponsor of the Bill, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, for his doggid commitment. Now, we have a good pedestal upon which to stand in our efforts to improve camp facilities, enhance the welfare of corps members and staff of the scheme; as well as reinvigorate the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) initiative of the NYSC,” the Minister said.

Olawande called on stakeholders in the youth development sector to continue to partner with the youth ministry to evolve ingenious ways to address the challenges of unemployment and skill gap bedeviling the youths, stating that the NYSC trust fund bill could be the beginning of other lofty initiatives aimed at harnessing resources for holistic youth empowerment.

Maryam Umar Yusuf
Head, Press and Public Relations
20th March, 2024