The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has warned that any employer found aiding or encouraging truancy, popularly known as “ghosting,” among corps members will be blacklisted.
The State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, issued the warning while addressing participants at the 2026 NYSC/Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Awka.
She said employers play a vital role in the success of the NYSC Scheme and must ensure corps members posted to their organisations are properly supervised, mentored and actively engaged in their assigned duties.
Mrs. Ojisua explained that the workshop, organised by the NYSC South East Area Office I in collaboration with the NYSC Anambra State Secretariat, aimed to strengthen cooperation between the Scheme and employers. The workshop was themed, “Fine-tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration to Enhance Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
According to her, the forum provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review existing partnerships, identify operational challenges and develop practical strategies to improve corps members’ welfare and workplace experience.
She commended employers who have consistently provided conducive work environments and meaningful responsibilities for corps members, describing their support as essential to the success of the Scheme. She also appreciated the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, the Director of NYSC South East Area Office I, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwe, and other stakeholders for supporting the successful organisation of the workshop.
Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the Director-General, the Deputy Director of NYSC South East Area Office I, Mrs. Victoria Ike-Nwosu, reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with corps employers nationwide.
She conveyed the Director-General’s message urging employers to provide corps members with relevant job assignments, quality mentorship, accommodation or accommodation allowance, transportation support, security and opportunities for professional development. Employers were also advised to maintain workplaces free from discrimination, exploitation, harassment and abuse while exposing corps members to practical experiences that enhance their employability and leadership skills.
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 Soludo administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and private sector development.
He highlighted initiatives such as the 1Youth2Skills Programme, which has trained more than 13,300 youths and provided grants exceeding ₦5 billion, as well as the Solution Innovation District and other digital economy programmes aimed at building a skilled and globally competitive workforce.
Mr. Emodi described corps employers as critical partners in workforce development and urged them to provide corps members with the mentorship, exposure and practical experience needed to become productive professionals and future business leaders.
The workshop featured interactive sessions on strengthening employer-NYSC collaboration, improving corps members’ welfare and boosting workplace productivity. Participants were also entertained by the NYSC Anambra State Cultural Troupe, which showcased Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through colourful dance performances.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
the event concluded with the presentation of awards to outstanding corps employers.
Mr. Martin Chinedu Ezeorji, Chairman and 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 recipients of the Outstanding Corps Employer Award included 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.
