Youth minister apologizes, vows to overhaul deplorable NYSC camps

The Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has apologized to corps members nationwide for the appalling conditions witnessed in some National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camps.

The minister, on an unscheduled visit to the NYSC Orientation camp in Yikpata, Kwara State, decried the unacceptable situation and pledged an imminent intervention.

During his visit, Minister Olawande expressed gratitude to the resilient corps members and assured them that the Tinubu administration is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the nation’s youth. He conveyed a powerful message.

He said, “If I can be a minister, you all can become whatever you wish to be, and the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to encourage young people.”

Addressing the concerns of the graduates, he added, “Where do you go from here? How do you live decent lives as graduates? These are some of the questions the Tinubu administration will answer for the youth. We’ll not fail you.”

In a bold move, the minister took a comprehensive tour of the camp facilities, expressing dismay at the deplorable conditions. He pledged to engage with relevant authorities to ensure a much-needed facelift for the Kwara State orientation camp, signaling a commitment to improving the overall state of NYSC camps nationwide.

The State Coordinator of NYSC in Kwara State, Onifade Olaoluwa, welcomed the minister’s visit as a morale booster, stating, “We are happy with the visit of the Hon. Minister of State for Youth Development and equally excited with the prospects of his pledge to rejig the NYSC and improve its operations, especially as it concerns the camp facilities.”

Before concluding his visit, Minister Olawande engaged with corps members, spreading cheer amid promises of positive change.

Notably, he visited the Mami market, purchasing food items shared among the corps members. Additionally, the Minister inspected the kitchen, hostels, and the clinic, emphasizing a hands-on approach to understanding and addressing the challenges faced by the young graduates undergoing the mandatory national service.