A bill sponsored by Hon. Akinfolarin Mayowa for an act to establish a trust fund for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has passed the second reading stage in the House of Representatives.
Mayowa, the representative of Ileoluji-Okeigbo/Odigbo federal constituency, on Thursday at the plenary, stated that the bill seeks to provide a sustainable source of funds for Corp members.
The National Youth Service Corps Trust Fund (NYSCTF) aims at equipping corps members with skills acquisition, training and empowerment. Training and retraining of NYSC staff is inclusive
The bill sponsor mentioned that the funds would also be used for the development of NYSC camps and maintenance of its facilities.
He added that it would have a long-lasting impact on job creation and the empowerment of youths.
Hon. Mayowa stated that the NYSCTF Bill would further complement the purpose of the scheme and enhance entrepreneurship among corps members.
He said, “in the early years of the establishment of NYSC, the scheme was able to carry out its objectives under the National Youth Service Corps Act.
“The management of the scheme had not only trained, equipped and empowered corps members enrolled under the scheme, but had instilled patriotism and the spirit of nationalism in corps members.
“My colleagues and I have sincerely considered the significant role this NYSCTF Bill will play if passed by this honourable house and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Corps members and supporting staff will be trained and introduced to various skills which will make them establish a self-sustained business after the mandatory service year.”
Calling for its reading to continue and moved to the relevant committee of the house for further legislative actions, Mayowa pointed that the bill will reduce the adverse effect of COVID-19 on the nation’s economy and create employment opportunities for the youths.
“The call had become imperative in view of the effort currently being made by the government to diversify the economy, and considering the passion and willingness of the house in reducing poverty,” he said
In turn, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, referred the bill to the relevant committees of the house for further legislative actions following the consent of the house.