Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged improved welfare and enhanced security for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state, describing them as important partners in the government’s development efforts. Ododo gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Director General of the NYSC,……
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has pledged improved welfare and enhanced security for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state, describing them as important partners in the government’s development efforts.
Ododo gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Government House in Lokoja.
The governor, according to a statement by the Corps Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, on Monday, assured the NYSC leadership that his administration would continue to provide a safe and conducive environment for corps members throughout their service year.
He said the security of residents and visitors, including corps members, remained a priority of his administration.
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Ododo congratulated Nafiu on his appointment as NYSC Director General, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring reforms capable of strengthening the scheme and increasing its contribution to national development.
The governor disclosed that he had personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya several times to assess its condition, stressing the importance of firsthand evaluation of government projects.
He announced plans by the state government to carry out a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the orientation camp, with consultants already engaged and architectural designs being prepared for the project.
On the payment of the monthly state allowance for corps members, Ododo expressed concern over the suspension of the support and described the situation as unacceptable.
He directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to liaise with relevant government officials to review the matter and ensure prompt action.
The governor also appealed to the NYSC to increase the deployment of teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State, noting that his administration had introduced incentives, including special allowances for medical personnel, to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, commended Governor Ododo for prioritising the welfare of corps members.
Anyebe said the governor’s inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board was a landmark achievement in the history of the scheme in Kogi State.
He added that the administration had improved welfare packages, provided transportation support, enhanced camp feeding and intervened in infrastructure challenges affecting the scheme.
Speaking during the visit, the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, commended Governor Ododo for his support for the scheme, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure and corps members’ welfare.
Nafiu described Kogi as one of the safest states for corps members, noting that all 21 local government areas of the state currently receive NYSC members due to the government’s security architecture.
He also praised the governor for inaugurating the State NYSC Governing Board and called for continued collaboration between the state government and the scheme to improve service delivery and enhance the welfare of corps members.
