NYSC Katsina State Coordinator Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu Embarks on Statewide Tour

The newly appointed NYSC Katsina State Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu, commenced a statewide tour on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to address the challenges facing the scheme in Katsina State. His first visit was to the office of the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth Development, Alhaji Aliyu Lawal Zakari.

The Commissioner, who also serves as the Chairman of the NYSC Katsina State Governing Board, warmly welcomed the Coordinator. The meeting was marked by a sense of camaraderie, as the two officials appeared to reconnect like old friends. Alhaji Lawal Zakari expressed optimism that the state government would address the concerns raised by the Coordinator and promised full cooperation and support from the ministry.

Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu briefed the Commissioner on several pressing issues, including the shortage of mattresses in the Orientation Camp, which have not been replenished since 2013. He also highlighted the lack of state intervention funds for Corps Members and the poor condition of their accommodations. Many of the lodges built for Corps Members by previous administrations have been reallocated to other establishments, leaving the remaining facilities in a dilapidated state. The Coordinator urged the Commissioner to intervene, as these issues fall under the statutory responsibilities of the state government.

Later that day, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu visited the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Katsina State, where he met with the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General AO Fadairo. Although General Fadairo is being redeployed to another formation, he assured the Coordinator that the strong relationship between the Brigade and NYSC in Katsina State would continue under his successor. The meeting reinforced the close bond between the military and NYSC, likened to that of "Siamese twins."

In response, Alhaji Ibrahim Saidu expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from the Brigade and requested that the collaboration continue during his tenure.

Accompanying the NYSC Coordinator on this tour were several key officials, including the Assistant Director of HRM, Mr. Allen Chisom Charles; Assistant Director of PRS, Alhaji Aliyu Sani; Assistant Director of Corps Discipline and Reward, Alhaji Mohammad Birniwa Mohammad; Head of Finance and Accounts, Alhaji Abubakar Kwajafa; and the Head of SAED, Alhaji Nurudeen Mannir.