The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kwara State Council, has expressed its readiness to strengthen its existing partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state. The commitment was made by the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abdullateef 'Lanre Ahmed, when he led members of his executive on a courtesy visit to the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Onifade, in Ilorin on Monday.

Ahmed stated that the council is open to receiving corps members posted to its secretariat as part of their primary assignment, where they would be trained in the rudiments of journalism. He explained that this initiative would help bridge the gap between theory and practice, while simultaneously addressing the pressing problem of unemployment among young graduates.

He assured the NYSC Coordinator that the council's facilities are fully available for corps members to acquire practical skills that will make them employable after their service year. Ahmed stressed that field experience is essential for building both competence and confidence in the journalism profession.

The NUJ Chairman further proposed that the NYSC could use the NUJ Press Centre as a convergence point for corps members in the Editorial Community Development Service (CDS) group. He also emphasized the need for closer collaboration to ensure accurate media coverage of NYSC activities and prevent misinformation.

Ahmed commended the NYSC leadership for its proactive decision to temporarily relocate the orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the Kwara State Polytechnic premises in Ilorin, describing the move as a wise step taken in response to security concerns.

In his response, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Joshua Onifade, pledged the scheme's commitment to deepening its partnership with the NUJ, describing the collaboration as vital since both institutions play key roles in national development.