NYSC inspectors extort money from corps members – DG

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, has alleged that some of the inspectors of the scheme extort money from corps members.

Okore-Affia blamed the development for acts of indiscipline among corps members.

The NYSC chief stated this at the opening ceremony of the 2012 Inspectors Development Programme organised for inspectors in the South at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sagamu, Ogun State on Wednesday.

Okore-Affia, who was represented at the event by the Director, Corps Welfare and Inspection, Mr. Emmanuel Obi, also said many of the inspectors had performed poorly.

He said, “As field officers who constitute the engine room of the operations of the scheme in the states, you are expected to be above board and act as role models and dependable mentors to the corps members. It is however regrettable that the attitude of many of you leave so much to be desired.

“Reports from the recent nationwide inspection and corps members’ forum indicated that some of you engage in acts capable of bringing the scheme into disrepute.

“Unwholesome practices such as delegating your responsibilities to corps members, non-residence in the communities where your workplaces are located, thereby leading to irregular attendance and poor supervision of corps members not only detract from the noble objectives of the scheme but negatively affect her corporate image.”

The army chief added, “The NYSC inspectors are today confronted with a plethora of national, state, community and corps members-related challenges, hence, they need to be adequately trained to competently handle issues and solve problems within the expected time frame.

“The scheme is being confronted with a lot of challenges ranging from astronomical increase in corps population, insecurity, corps rejection, inadequate camp facilities and dwindling welfare provision for corps members due to inadequate funding. With these enormous challenges the scheme needs to review its operations and evolve strategies that will reposition it for efficient and effective execution of its mandate.

“Therefore, managing the scheme at this particular time requires staff with dynamism, competence, requisite skills and ability to cope with the identified challenges and other demands of youth management for national development. It is in view of this that management has resolved to give adequate attention to staff training and development.”