The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended the Ebonyi State Government for approving a monthly allowance of N30,000 for Corps Members serving in the state.
The NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the gesture as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to the welfare of Corps Members and a model for creating an enabling environment for young Nigerians undertaking national service.
Nafiu made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, the Director, Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, said in a statement on Saturday.
He said Ebonyi was among the South-Eastern states where the NYSC enjoyed peaceful deployment and cordial relationships with host communities and other stakeholders.
The Director-General also appreciated the state government for providing a monthly stipend to the NYSC State Secretariat and supporting the Scheme during orientation exercises, particularly through feeding augmentation.
He commended the people of Afikpo, host community of the NYSC Orientation Camp, for their continued support and hospitality towards Corps Members.
Nafiu disclosed that about 6,000 Corps Members were currently serving in Ebonyi State, with the majority deployed to the public sector.
He explained that the NYSC operates on the concurrent list, with the Federal, State and Local Governments having statutory responsibilities for the effective implementation of the Scheme.
According to him, state governments are expected to provide, furnish and maintain habitable orientation camps, as well as provide security for Corps Members in conjunction with local governments.
He therefore appealed to the Ebonyi State Government to carry out maintenance works at the orientation camp, particularly the clinic, multipurpose hall, hostels, perimeter fence and other facilities.
The NYSC boss also identified Ebonyi as a suitable location for expanding the Scheme’s rice farming initiative, urging the state government to reconsider granting the NYSC access to the Ezilo land for the project.
Responding, the Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of the state governor, commended the NYSC Director-General and management for providing mentorship and guidance to Corps Members.
She said the importance of the NYSC Scheme, established in 1973, could not be over-emphasised, particularly its contributions to national integration through cultural exchange, inter-tribal marriages, academic exposure and other social interactions.
Obila said the Ebonyi State Government had maintained a cordial relationship with the NYSC and would continue to strengthen the partnership.
She disclosed that the state government was constructing a female hostel at the orientation camp, adding that the facility was being expanded annually due to the high demand from prospective Corps Members seeking to serve in Ebonyi.
The Deputy Governor described Ebonyi as a hospitable state committed to deepening its partnership with the NYSC and supporting youth development.
She assured the NYSC Director-General that the state government would give the orientation camp a facelift and look into the request for access to the Ezilo land for the NYSC rice farming project.
“With all the requests you have made, I am assuring you that we will do something for the sake of our children. We are highly committed to giving you a leverage that will make our Corps Members live comfortably,” she said.