NYSC DG Urges Enhanced Healthcare for Corps Members

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corp, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, stated that under his leadership, all corps members will have access to superior healthcare for the duration of their service year.

He asserted that individuals serving in the corps face numerous risks and health dangers during their national service tenure. Therefore, it is crucial to offer a comprehensive healthcare plan to address their needs when necessary.

During his orientation visit to meet the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, at his office in Abuja, Nafiu made comments.

General Nafiu emphasized that health insurance stands out as a key element within the NYSC initiatives. He highlighted that the National Health Insurance Authority plays an essential role in the programs related to corps members under the scheme.

While visiting, he emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation between NYSC and NHIA so as to improve the service of the corps members to their country.

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"Ensuring the well-being and health of our corps members is our top priority at NYSC. We aim to enhance our current partnership for their benefit. My visit here is intended to acquaint me with the leaders of NHIA and refine the Memorandum of Understanding between NYSC and NHIA," he stated.

Brigadier General Nafiu expressed his gratitude to the NHIA Director-General for their support of the NYSC initiative. He further assured a more robust partnership between these two organizations.

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the DG/CEO of NHIA, expressed his congratulations to General Nafiu upon his appointment as the NYSC Director-General and commended his fervent dedication to enhancing corps members' welfare.

He mentioned that the organization is prepared for partnerships of significant worth, offering smooth and efficient services.

The Director-General of NHIA stated that the current partnership with NYSC, involving the allocation of both manpower and financial resources, has significantly benefited the corps members.

He added that as part of its ongoing reforms, the NHIA is currently revising its guidelines and is also verifying the quality of healthcare providers nationwide via its compliance and enforcement unit.

Dr. Ohiri further mentioned that the identified issues will be examined to ensure that both enrollees and corps members can receive comprehensive medical care.

"We are committed to making sure our Corps Members have access to necessary medical care. Our combined team will examine the issues we face and identify key areas for improvement," he stated additionally.

In the meantime, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has encouraged the NYSC Guidance and Counseling Schedule Officers to be ready to overcome the difficulties tied to their official duties.

He stated that the rising incidence of substance misuse, suicide attempts, depression, and various societal problems among young people clearly indicates an immediate necessity to rescue society, particularly the youth, from the repercussions of this crisis.

While engaging with NYSC Guidance and Counselling Schedule Officers at their inaugural workshop in Abuja, Nafiu addressed them. The event’s theme was centered around "Addressing Current Challenges in Corps Management: The Importance of Corps Guidance and Counseling."

He added that they should enhance their monitoring efforts to boost effectiveness in overseeing the Corps members who could be experiencing depression due to various factors.

"I am here to inform you that this will not be a simple undertaking. We must examine the instances of youngsters joining the Scheme. The suicide rate is rising within the broader community," he stated.

The Director-General also mentioned that the Program would ensure continuous retraining of its personnel to enhance their capabilities in carrying out their official duties.

Mr. Ayodele Omotade, the Director of Corps Welfare and Health Services, expressed his gratitude to General Nafiu for taking the time to speak with the workshop attendees. These participants came from various locations across Nigeria, specifically from the 36 NYSC State Secretariats—including those in the Federal Capital Territory—as well as Area Offices and the headquarters located in Abuja.

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