By Nkechi Eze
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Kano State Government for immediate intervention to address the persistent water supply challenges at the scheme’s permanent Orientation Camp in Karaye. The lack of adequate water, officials say, poses a threat to camp operations and the health of thousands of Corps members deployed to the state.
In an official signed statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, revealed that the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made the request during a courtesy visit to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the Government House in Kano. The DG emphasised that uninterrupted water supply is critical to the smooth conduct of the orientation programme and the wellbeing of participants.
Brigadier General Nafiu further appealed to the State Government to support the expansion of the camp’s multi-purpose hall, describing the current facility as grossly inadequate for lectures and essential indoor activities. He explained that a larger hall would significantly enhance the learning environment and overall camp experience for Corps members.
The DG also reminded the governor that the NYSC Act mandates all levels of government to support the operations of the scheme. In this regard, he sought the constitution of the NYSC State Governing Board and Local Government Committees in Kano to strengthen administrative coordination.
Providing an update on the scheme’s footprint in the state, Brigadier General Nafiu disclosed that over 12,000 Corps members are currently deployed across Kano’s 44 Local Government Areas, with 75 per cent serving as teachers in public schools. He added that the state also benefits from the deployment of 102 medical doctors, 79 pharmacists and 90 nurses who are boosting manpower in public health facilities.
During the visit, the DG expressed gratitude for the state’s longstanding support to the scheme, citing government assistance in augmenting feeding in camp, renovating hostels, covering burial expenses for deceased Corps members, and facilitating the overhaul of the state secretariat’s utility vehicle.
Responding, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf applauded the invaluable contributions of Corps members to Kano’s socio-economic development and reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue supporting the scheme. He assured that a team of experts would be dispatched immediately to assess the camp’s infrastructural needs, with renovation works set to begin as soon as possible.
