By Ovat Abeng
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has warned that any employer found aiding or encouraging “ghosting” or truancy among corps members will be blacklisted.
The State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, handed down the warning on Tuesday while addressing participants at the 2026 NYSC/Corps Employers’ Workshop held at Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotel, Awka.
She said corps employers occupy a strategic position in the successful implementation of the NYSC Scheme and must therefore ensure that corps members posted to their establishments are properly supervised, mentored and fully engaged in their official duties.
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Mrs. Ojisua explained that the workshop, jointly organised by the NYSC South East Area Office I and the NYSC Anambra State Secretariat, was designed to strengthen collaboration between the Scheme and employers in line with its theme, “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
She noted that the forum would enable stakeholders to review existing partnerships, identify operational challenges and evolve practical strategies for improving corps members’ welfare and workplace experience.
The State Coordinator commended corps employers who have continued to provide conducive working environments and meaningful responsibilities for corps members, describing their support as vital to the success of the Scheme. She also appreciated the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the Director, NYSC South East Area Office I, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, and other stakeholders whose efforts ensured the successful hosting of the workshop.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Director-General, the Deputy Director, NYSC South East Area Office I, Mrs. Victoria Ike-Nwosu, reiterated the NYSC Management’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with corps employers across the country.
She conveyed the Director-General’s message that corps employers should provide corps members with relevant job assignments, quality mentorship, accommodation or allowance in lieu, transportation support, security and opportunities for professional growth. He further urged employers to create workplaces free from discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse while exposing corps members to practical experiences that would improve their employability and leadership capacity.
In the keynote address delivered on behalf of the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Ifeatu Emodi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Soludo administration to youth empowerment and private sector development.
He said initiatives such as the 1Youth2Skills Programme, which has trained over 13,300 youths and supported beneficiaries with grants exceeding N5 billion, alongside the Solution Innovation District and other digital economy initiatives, underscore the State Government’s determination to build a highly skilled and globally competitive workforce.
He described corps employers as critical partners in workforce development, urging them to provide corps members with the mentorship, exposure and practical experience required to become productive professionals and future business leaders.
The workshop featured interactive discussions on strengthening employer-NYSC collaboration, enhancing corps members’ welfare and improving workplace productivity.
Participants were also entertained by the NYSC Anambra State Cultural Troupe with colourful cultural dance performances that showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage.
The event climaxed with the presentation of Outstanding Corps Employers’ Awards to organisations and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the welfare and development of corps members.
Mr. Martin Chinedu Ezeorji, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Marston De-Rock Ltd., Awka, received the Most Supportive Partner Award, while HRM Igwe Sir Benneth Izuchukwu Emeka (Oke-Ebo II of Umueri), Chairman of Chiben Beverages Ltd., was honoured as the Most Outstanding Corps Employer.
Other award recipients were Rt. Hon. Obinna Onuigbo, Proprietor of Premier Secondary School, Ogbunka; Pastor Mrs. Chidi Lois Ebere, Proprietress of Olive Spring Secondary School, Onitsha; and Chief Evans Onyebuchi Obi (Ichie Chinyelugo I N’Ichi), Chief Executive Officer of White Dove Agro Allied Company Limited, Ekwusigo, who all received the Outstanding Corps Employer Award.
