The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, has highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to mentoring, training and supporting National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, describing corps members as critical assets whose welfare and professional development must remain a priority for employers.
Mrs. Macaulay spoke on Tuesday at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop held in Asaba, where she delivered a lecture on the theme, “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration for Enhanced Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”
Using the Delta State Ministry of Information as a practical example, she explained that the Ministry has institutionalized a system that allows corps members to gain exposure across its professional departments, thereby equipping them with practical skills and workplace experience beyond their primary assignments.
According to her, corps members posted to the Ministry are integrated into various departments, including Public Communication, New Media, Publication and Printing Service, Field Publicity, and other professional units, while regular interactive sessions are organized to broaden their knowledge and enhance their career prospects.
She noted that young graduates bring fresh perspectives, creativity and technological skills to the workplace and should therefore be provided with opportunities that enable them to contribute meaningfully while developing professionally.
“Corps members are not just temporary workers. They are future leaders and professionals. Employers must create an environment where they can learn, grow and contribute effectively,” she said.
Mrs. Macaulay stressed that corps members’ welfare extends beyond monthly allowances, encompassing workplace safety, accommodation, healthcare, mentorship, recognition, emotional support and opportunities for professional advancement.
She observed that organizations that prioritize the welfare of corps members often enjoy greater productivity, innovation and improved service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary further urged employers to adopt proactive measures in addressing the needs of corps members rather than waiting for challenges to escalate.
“Strategic partnership is about anticipating problems and working together to solve them before they become crises. When stakeholders collaborate effectively, everybody benefits—the corps members, the employers, the NYSC and the nation at large,” she stated.
She emphasized that communication remains the foundation of successful collaboration, calling on employers and NYSC officials to maintain open channels of engagement for prompt resolution of issues affecting corps members.
Mrs. Macaulay also encouraged employers to recognize exceptional corps members as a way of boosting morale and inspiring excellence, noting that simple acts of appreciation can significantly improve commitment and performance.
She identified mentorship programmes, regular stakeholders’ engagements, technology-driven communication systems and shared responsibility for welfare as key strategies for strengthening the relationship between NYSC and corps employers.
Earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Chinye Hobobo-Uso, declared the workshop open and commended the NYSC for fostering collaboration among stakeholders toward achieving the objectives of the Scheme.
In his welcome address, the Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, said the workshop was aimed at deepening cooperation between corps employers and the NYSC to enhance corps members’ welfare, productivity and workplace experience.
He urged stakeholders to sustain partnerships that would enable corps members to make meaningful contributions to their organizations and host communities.
Dignitaries at the event included the Director, NYSC South-South Area Office I, Mrs. Charity Okpalifo; Deputy Director, Certification, South-South Area Office I, Mrs. Regina Ekeh; Mr. Peter Okafor; Dr. Michael Ogana, Principal Lecturer, Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors.
