Dogara to launch on-line discount platform for corps member, students

Indication has emerged that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara is set to officially launch a global on-line discount portal aimed at providing subsidy for all expenses made by serving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other students of tertiary institutions in the country.

The platform targeted at 23 million Nigerian youths subscribers, it was learnt, has been endorsed by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors as well as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

The initiator of the of the concept and former member of the House of Representatives, Bimbo Daramola, told journalist that the online platform, which will be launched on Tuesday, 24 March, 2016 in Abuja was necessitated by the need to provide cushion for the youths in view of the prevailing economic realities confronting the country.

Daramola, who is the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun explained that; “Nigeria can no longer afford to lag behind the rest of the world in accessing the gains of Information and Communications Technology (ICT),” noting that “shrinking government income coupled with dwindling purchasing powers of Nigerian parents, the need for safety nets for youth corpers and students is long overdue.”

He revealed that in conjunction with a technical partner, Bridge Concept, the portal is designed with a card which subscribing youth corps members and students can use to enjoy discount in goods and service at any location within and outside the country.

“The effect of our current economic realities on our youths is harsh, so, it is our responsibility to look for safety nets to shield them from crimes and criminality. While doing that, we should not lose focus on how to empower the students and youth corpers to keep away from deviant behaviours.