New NYSC DG Assumes Office

The new NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Johnson Olawumi, on Monday assumed duty in Abuja with a promise to be fair, open and ensure equity.

Olawumi stated while taking over from his predecessor, Brig.-Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia on Monday in Abuja.

He said he would work as his predecessor did, with the desire and determination to serve diligently, to uplift the scheme from its status to another height.

He appealed to the staff of the organisation to cooperate with him the way they did to Okore-Affia, adding that “I will fight for your entitlements for the high regard I have for you”.

According to him, as a true Nigerian, he respect and accord regards to the elders, adding that the DG’s office would not be abused because of the privilege.

Earlier, the outgoing DG said the scheme, since its establishment in 1973, had become a household name in the country.

He said the scheme was established, to among other things, strengthen national unity and engender development in all parts of the country.

Okore-Affia noted that his administration was able to successfully implement the
approved expanded administrative structure of the scheme.

“This indeed has revolutionised the service year experience of corps members as they are now exposed to entrepreneurial development and other post service year life enhancing initiatives.

“In addition, the restructuring repositioned the scheme to adequately cope with the dynamics of mobilisation and utilisation of corps manpower for national development,” he added.

Okore-Affia, who just retired from the Nigerian Army, said there was enhancement of the security of corps members in all locations throughout the country with the effective operation of the Distress Call Centre.

“This avails all corps members the opportunity of seeking for help whenever they are confronted with security challenges,” he said.

Okore-Affia said another achievement recorded during his tenure was preparation of a Composite Policy Document, which synthesised all the policies of the scheme into a single document.

He said this was to ensure smooth, more effective and efficient operation of the scheme.

“The comprehensive review of the scheme and conditions of service of the NYSC scheme has been completed and forwarded to the relevant quarters for ratification to pave way for its adoption.

He said the e-registration of foreign trained graduates made it possible for foreign trained Nigerian graduates to upload required academic and other relevant documents from any part of the world.

Olawumi was the Principal Staff Officer to the Chief of Army Staff, before assuming office as the 16th NYSC director-general.