The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme, stressing that effective partnerships remain the foundation for improved welfare of corps members, enhanced workplace productivity and sustainable national development.

Mrs. Macaulay made the call while delivering a lecture at the 2026 NYSC Corps Employers’ Workshop, held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with the theme, “Fine-Tuning Stakeholders’ Collaboration for Enhanced Corps Members’ Welfare and Workplace Experience.”

Speaking before corps employers, government officials and other stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary noted that the success of the NYSC Scheme cannot be achieved by the management of the Scheme alone but depends largely on the quality of collaboration among employers, government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, host communities, development partners and the corps members themselves.

According to her, “Strategic partnership is a deliberate, long-term relationship built on trust, effective communication, shared responsibility and continuous collaboration. It is not merely responding to problems after they occur, but anticipating challenges and jointly providing lasting solutions.”

She explained that employers should see corps members not merely as temporary staff but as young professionals who require mentorship, guidance and an enabling environment to maximize their potential.

Mrs. Macaulay emphasized that effective communication remains the lifeblood of every successful partnership, noting that clear instructions, regular feedback and mutual respect help to eliminate misunderstandings while promoting productivity in the workplace.

She observed that a strong partnership among stakeholders creates a safe and motivating environment where corps members can contribute meaningfully to their places of primary assignment and host communities, while employers also benefit from fresh ideas, innovation and improved service delivery.

Drawing from the experience of the Delta State Ministry of Information, she disclosed that the Ministry deliberately exposes corps members to all professional departments, including Public Communication, Public Enlightenment, New Media, Public Relations and other units to broaden their knowledge and practical experience.

She said weekly interactive sessions are organized to enable corps members learn beyond their assigned departments, develop new competencies and prepare adequately for life after the service year.

“We deliberately expose them to different areas because today’s workplace requires versatility. Many of these young graduates come with fresh digital skills which also benefit the Ministry, making the relationship mutually rewarding,” she stated.

Mrs. Macaulay further stressed that corps members’ welfare goes beyond the monthly allowance paid by government, saying it includes safe accommodation, workplace security, healthcare, mentorship, respect, recognition, transportation support, professional development and emotional well-being.

According to her, “People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. When corps members feel valued, respected and supported, they become more committed, productive and loyal to their organizations.”

She urged employers to recognize and reward outstanding corps members, recalling how a corps member in the Ministry who resumed work immediately after the Christmas holidays despite the festive season was specially appreciated by the Commissioner for demonstrating exceptional dedication.

The Permanent Secretary also advocated the establishment of mentorship programmes, improved digital communication between NYSC and employers, regular stakeholders’ meetings, prompt reporting of challenges and shared responsibility for corps members’ welfare.

She maintained that every stakeholder has a distinct role to play, adding that the success of the Scheme depends on how effectively these roles are coordinated.

“National development is the finishing line, while collaboration is the baton. If one stakeholder fails, the overall objective suffers,” she remarked.

Earlier, the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Dr. Kelvin Ezenyili, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Chinye Hobobo-Uso, declared the workshop open and commended the NYSC for bringing together critical stakeholders to strengthen collaboration towards achieving the objectives of the Scheme.

In his welcome address, the Delta State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. John Kwaghe, said the workshop was designed to deepen collaboration between the NYSC and corps employers towards improving corps members’ welfare, workplace experience and overall service delivery, while encouraging stakeholders to collectively address emerging challenges confronting the Scheme.

The workshop also featured interactive discussions and presentations on strategies for strengthening partnerships between the NYSC and corps employers, creating conducive workplaces, promoting mentorship and improving corps members’ productivity.

Among dignitaries at the event were the NYSC Director, South-South Area Office I, Mrs. Charity Okpalifo; NYSC Deputy Director, Certification, South-South Area Office I, Mrs. Regina Ekeh; Mr. Peter Okafor; Dr. Michael Ogana, Principal Lecturer, Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, alongside senior government officials, corps employers and other stakeholders.