Director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged corps members to be ambassadors of peace and advocates of religious tolerance in their places of primary assignment and beyond.
Nafiu gave the charge when he hosted the leadership of the Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN) at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
He reminded the delegation that the NYSC scheme was established to groom Nigerian youths for leadership and national cohesion. According to him, religion should serve as a unifying force and not a tool for division.
The DG therefore urged MCAN leaders and members to use the platform to spread messages that will foster tolerance, strengthen unity and contribute meaningfully to the country’s socio-economic development.
Nafiu said the Scheme has always respected the religious rights of corps members and would continue to provide guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training to prepare them for life after service.
He also assured the association of his administration’s continued support.
Earlier, the National Amir of MCAN, Abdulmalik Mahmud, commended Gen. Nafiu for his youth-friendly style of leadership.
He also appreciated the Federal Government and NYSC management for increasing Corps Members’ monthly allowance to N77,000.
Mahmud explained that MCAN coordinates the religious activities of Muslim corps members in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, and operates about 40 corps lodges nationwide.