By Vicky Attah, Correspondent
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Federal Character Commission (FCC) to promote equity, fairness and national integration in recruitment, postings, promotions and appointments across government institutions.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the NYSC Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission, Hon. Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Nafiu said the NYSC remained committed to complying with the Federal Character Principle, describing it as a critical instrument for ensuring equitable representation of Nigerians across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as the various geopolitical zones, ethnic groups and religious backgrounds.
He said the Scheme had consistently adhered to due process and government regulations in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, adding that its commitment to proper procedures had earned it recognition for excellence in public service delivery.
The Director General commended the Federal Character Commission for its efforts to promote equity in recruitment, appointments, promotions and the distribution of personnel across the country.
He said the mandates of the NYSC and the FCC were complementary because both institutions were committed to promoting national unity, inclusiveness and equal participation in nation-building.
Nafiu also assured the Commission that the NYSC would continue to work closely with it to ensure compliance with extant guidelines on personnel placement and other matters relating to the Federal Character Principle.
He stressed that the Scheme was committed to upholding both the letter and spirit of the principle in the discharge of its responsibilities.
Responding, the FCC Executive Chairman, Omidiran, said the Commission was established to promote fairness and inclusiveness in the operations of government institutions by ensuring equitable representation of all segments of the Nigerian federation.
She urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to strictly adhere to the Commission’s policies and guidelines, saying compliance was necessary to sustain public confidence and prevent feelings of marginalisation among citizens.
Omidiran said adherence to the Federal Character Principle was essential to ensuring that government institutions reflected the diversity of the country and provided opportunities for equitable participation.
Before the courtesy visit, Nafiu held an interactive session with the FCC Committee on Social Development, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, chaired by the Federal Commissioner representing Plateau State, Hon. Pam Bot-Mang.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the NYSC and the Commission, particularly in promoting equity in recruitment, postings, promotions and appointments across government institutions.
The engagement also provided an opportunity for both institutions to examine ways of advancing compliance with Federal Character guidelines and promoting inclusive participation in nation-building.
