By Joel Ajayi

The newly appointed Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Mohammed Fada, Wednesday, who took over as the 19th DG of the scheme, sought the support of all stakeholders which would enable him to build on the numerous achievements of his predecessor, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim, whose footprint and success in the scheme would be very difficult to erase.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), on Tuesday, approved the appointment of Brigadier General Mohammed Fada as the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps.

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Fada, who is from Yobe State, took over from the outgoing DG, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Brig. Gen. Fada, while speaking at the handing over ceremony in Abuja, acknowledged that the tasks ahead are huge, but with the support of the staff, they would overcome.

According to him, I know my predecessor created a big shoe that is be big for me, but by the grace of God and with the support of everyone, we shall succeed.

“Please let’s work as one family, the support you gave to my predecessor, I need more of that support, I need your corporation, that is the only tool that can help us in sustaining the achievement of Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim.

“I know that the tasks ahead are enormous and the road is rough, but with unity of purpose we will make progress.”

On his own, the outgoing Director-General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Major General Ibrahim has called on the 19th Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Mohammed Fada, to pay rapt attention to the security and welfare of the corps members, staff in the country.

While giving the charge on Wednesday, in Abuja, during his farewell parade, he appreciated the support of individuals for a successful tenure as the 18th Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps.

Major General Ibrahim was adjudged the best DG ever in the history of the Scheme, as his NYSC’s administration anchored many programs that have benefited the scheme, corps members, and Nigeria at large.

The programs include sustained effective utilization of the potentials of Corps members for optimal benefits;

reinvigorate the NYSC Ventures and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (SAED) in line with the NYSC Act for greater impact.

Others are, aggressive revenue generation drive through the NYSC Ventures; Establishment of the NYSC Printing Press in Kaduna, Kaduna State, successful commencement of the enrolment of Corps members for the National Health Insurance Scheme in line with Presidential directive, amongst others.

According to him, I want to enjoin the in-coming Director-General, while offering my best wishes to you as you set out, to discharge this important national assignment.

“I am confident that you will give your best in the service of our great nation and, in particular, for the achievement of the mandate of NYSC.

“I would advise that you pay particular attention to the security and general welfare of Corps members and Staff as well as make sustained advocacy for stakeholders’ support as part of your approaches to the administration of the Scheme. I pray that the Almighty guides you.

He expressed that the task of the day-to-day running of NYSC has been one of the most challenging, yet most rewarding experiences of his life.

“It was indeed, an opportunity to make an impact, not only on the graduate youths entrusted to us for mentorship but also on the socio-economic development of our dear country.”

He, therefore, appealed to various stakeholders to demonstrate support for the proposed NYSC Trust Fund that is seeking National Assembly approval, saying that if it sees the light of the day, it will create more jobs for millions of Nigerians.

In her votes of thanks, the Director Of ICT, Christy  Ubah assured maximum support for the incoming DG saying, the staff will not relent in their effort to bring more desirable change to the Scheme.