Abuja — Political associates of Ntufam Hilliard Eta have hailed his appointment as the chairman of the Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the urgent need for significant reforms within the organisation.
The event, held in Abuja, gathered prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC), including former members of the National Working Committee and Executive Committee, who voiced their support for Eta's leadership.
During the reception, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a former chairman of the Special Presidential Investigation Panel for the Recovery of Public Property, highlighted Eta's contributions during the recent election and advocated for an amendment to the Act that established the NYSC.
He argued that the current structure, which has existed for over five decades, must evolve to tackle pressing contemporary issues such as insecurity and youth unemployment.
Obono-Obla proposed transforming the NYSC into a two-year military service programme to equip young participants with essential skills for national defence.
He stated, "At a time when the nation faces serious security challenges, the NYSC can play a pivotal role in combating insurgency and fostering discipline among Nigerian youths.
"Transforming it into a full two-year military service programme will equip participants with the necessary skills for national defence and provide a strong foundation for addressing the growing threats of insecurity.
"We need bold and innovative reforms to ensure the NYSC continues to serve as a vital tool for national unity, security, and development."
Additionally, a National Youth Leader present at the event urged Eta to ensure that Youth Corps Members receive fair compensation, including minimum wage, to positively impact their livelihoods.
In his response, Eta expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and assured attendees that he would leverage his experience to enhance the performance of the Corps.