The pioneer volunteers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Osun State have asked the Federal Government and the security agency to either absorb them into the corps or compensate them for their services over the years.
The pioneer volunteers argued that the government and the NSCDC authorities should consider their sufferings and services rendered to the country before the corps became recognised as one of the country’s security agencies.
The volunteers, most of who are aged, said it was disheartening and unfortunate that the Federal Government and the Civil Defence had failed to appreciate the patriotic roles they played since 2003.
We’ve sacrificed so much for people’s security
They, therefore, appealed to the relevant authorities to absorb some of them or give them monetary compensation.
Speaking in Osogbo, the coordinator of the NSCDC volunteers in the state, Mr. Sunday Oyedokun, noted that the inability of the early volunteers of the corps to get absorbed into the agency contributed to the growing number of unemployed Nigerians.
While commending a lawmaker representing Ohaji-Egbema in Oru West Federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Goodluck Opiah Nanah, for raising the issue of the non-absorption of the affected volunteers into the Civil Defence corps despite their selfless services, the coordinator of the volunteers said four years after, the Federal Government had yet to enroll any one of them.
He said, “Before the formal adoption of the NSCDC as a paramilitary organisation by the Federal Government, recruitment into the corps was voluntary by individuals that desired to serve their fatherland selflessly. Hundreds of us volunteered our services in securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
“But it is rather unfortunate that there is no concrete plan by the Federal Government or even the NSCDC to absorb majority of the early volunteers into the organisation since 2003. It is to be noted that this development has worsened the unemployment situation in the country.”
He added, “It is disheartening and highly pathetic to note that a great number of foundation and very old volunteers, who sacrificed their time, energy and funds for the establishment and growth of the NSCDC in Osun State, in particular, and the country, in general, have not been absorbed since the inception of the corps by the government, while majority of the unabsorbed members have not also been adequately compensated.
“We, therefore, appeal to the Commandant General of the corps, passionately, to personally intervene and ensure that all the foundation members yet to be captured, and who earnestly desire to either be enlisted in the corps or be duly remunerated as required, are considered.”
