In a move aimed at enhancing the welfare of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Kogi State, Governor Yahaya Bello has given his approval for a substantial 100% increase in their monthly allowance. This groundbreaking announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch ‘B’ Stream 2 NYSC orientation camp, held at Asanya, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi.
Governor Bello, who is known for his commitment to youth empowerment and development, emphasized the importance of this increment, citing current economic realities and the significant role that the NYSC scheme plays in national and state development. This decision is set to significantly improve the financial well-being of the dedicated corps members serving in Kogi.
Furthermore, Governor Bello demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of these young individuals by announcing a generous donation of N37.7 million as logistics support for the corps members as they transition to their respective places of primary assignments. He also used this platform to call upon private sector employers to prioritize the welfare of corps members, recognizing their potential as valuable assets to the state.
In his address, Governor Bello urged the corps members to uphold the values of good behavior, unity, and ‘One Nigeria.’ He encouraged them to treat all residents as fellow Nigerians, transcending ethnic and religious boundaries. The governor emphasized the importance of diligence, hard work, commitment, and understanding during their service year, as these qualities would prepare them to overcome challenges after completing their service period.
Acknowledging the improvements in the orientation camp’s infrastructure, Governor Bello commended the state coordinator of the NYSC, Adebimpe Williams, and assured that other developmental requests would receive due attention.
Adebimpe Williams and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Idris Musa, expressed their gratitude to Governor Bello’s administration for its unwavering support of the NYSC program. They stressed the significance of good behavior at the corps members’ primary assignments and issued a stern warning against absenteeism from Places of Primary Assignment (PPA), emphasizing the serious consequences associated with such violations.
This announcement comes as 1,888 corps members, comprising 977 males and 911 females, have been deployed to Kogi State for their mandatory one-year service.
