The Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu has charged Corps members to be preachers of religious tolerance wherever they go.
He gave the admonition when he hosted the leadership of Muslim Corpers’ Association of Nigeria (MCAN), who paid a courtesy visit to his office at NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Maitama-Abuja.
The Director General said NYSC was established as a responsive Scheme to groom youths for leadership roles, and that religion should unite and not divide Nigerians.
He therefore implored the delegation and their other members to use the religious umbrella to disseminate messages that will promote religious tolerance, national cohesion, and also contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the country.
General Nafiu who disclosed that the Scheme has been accommodating the religious rights of every Corps Member during the service year, added that NYSC would continue to provide the needed guidance, mentorship and entrepreneurship training for all Corps Members.
He also pledged the continued support of his administration for the association.
Speaking earlier, the National Amir of MCAN, Abdulmalik Mahmud commended General Nafiu for his youth-friendly style of administration.
He used the forum to appreciate the Federal Government and NYSC Management for increasing the monthly allowance of Corps Members to N77,000.
He added that the Association coordinates the religious activities of Muslim Corps Members in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, while it has about 40 Corps Lodges across the country that accommodate Muslim Corps Members.
The Amir stated further that MCAN also ensures peaceful coexistence with Corps Members of other religions, while he promised that it would continue to sensitize MCAN Corps Members on the need to abide by the tenets of NYSC and serve as good ambassadors of the Scheme.
The MCAN Team Leader then pointed out that the Association also visits hospitals, correctional centres, orphanages, schools among other places to offer support by donating food items, stationeries, clothes, cash and other items.
