By Uche Amunike
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the Nigerian Peace Corps (Establishment) bill into law, so that it would provide employment opportunities for unemployed Nigerian youths.
Speaking, during the passing out parade of some officers of the Nigerian Peace Corps, Saturday, at the Osun State capital, Oshogbo, Adeleke, who was represented by his aide, Mr Ajisafe Toyese, stated that apart from offering employment opportunities for the youths, the corps would aid in complementing the efforts of other security agencies that fight tooth and nail to maintain peace nationwide.
He called on the corps to come together and form a common front so as to successfully deliver on the mandate upon which it was also being established and advised the new officer cadets to show discipline and focus while discharging their duties wherever they were posted to.
He commended the Commandant-General of the corps, Dr Mustapha Abubakar and his officers for ensuring the success of the passing-out parade.
The Ooni of Ife and Grand Patron of the Nigerian Peace Corps, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi had earlier lauded the Corps Commandant General for siting the South-West Zonal Command Training School in the state and urged the new cadets to show more commitment, hard work and dedication while carrying out their duties.
He thanked Governor Adeleke for the support and encouragement given the corps to ensure that the occasion turned out to be a huge success.
He also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting to sign the bill establishing the corps into law and urged the new cadets to dedicate more time towards personal development which would go a long way in adding value to their services in the Nigerian Peace Corps. He averred to do all in his power to see that the corps achieved its mandate.
The CEO of the United Kingdom-based ASQ Group, Mr Samson Adeosun has also joined in the plea to President Buhari to assent to the Nigerian Peace Corps Bill.
In his opinion, there are great benefits that come with assenting to the bill as it would not only have the youths engaged, but will also particularly reduce insecurity in the country, while aligning with other security agencies to maintain peace all over Nigeria.
Speaking, through a statement signed and released to newsmen, Saturday, he also noted that the existing peace Corp in the country which had hitherto been operating on the template of volunteerism for years will now become Federal Government owned and funded, in the name of Nigeria Peace Corps.
The statement partly read: ‘Creating jobs can have numerous benefits, especially in a country like Nigeria where youth unemployment is a major challenge. By creating job opportunities, the government can engage the youth and provide them with a sense of purpose and direction. This can help reduce the likelihood of young people being drawn into criminal activities and other forms of insecurity.’
‘Moreover, job creation can have a ripple effect on the economy, as people with jobs tend to spend money and contribute to overall economic growth. This can also lead to increased tax revenues for the government, which can be used to fund other important initiatives as in this regard insecurity would be holistically brought to an end.’
He also stated that constitutionally, President Buhari is expected to assent to the Bill on or before 11th May, 2023 which is when the 30 days window given for such important action must have been used.
