Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, security and well-being of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, describing them as critical partners in the government’s development agenda.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Government House in Lokoja.
The Governor congratulated Brigadier General Nafiu on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership would introduce reforms that would further strengthen the Scheme and enhance its contributions to national development.
Ododo assured the NYSC leadership that his administration would continue to provide a safe, secure and conducive environment for Corps members throughout their service year in Kogi State, stressing that the security of every resident and visitor, including Corps members, remains a top priority of his government.
He disclosed that he had personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition and announced plans for a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the facility. He explained that consultants had already been engaged and architectural designs were being prepared to transform the camp into one of the best in the country.
On the payment of the monthly state allowance to Corps members, the Governor expressed surprise that the practice had not been sustained, describing the situation as unacceptable. He directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with relevant government officials to review the matter and ensure prompt action, emphasising that Corps members deserve adequate support and encouragement during their service year.
Governor Ododo also appealed to the NYSC to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to strengthen service delivery in critical sectors, noting that his administration had introduced special incentives, including allowances for medical personnel, to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
The Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, commended the Governor for prioritising the welfare of Corps members. He noted that the recent inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board marked a significant milestone for the Scheme in Kogi State.
Anyebe added that the Governor has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the NYSC through improved welfare packages, transportation support, enhanced camp feeding, prompt intervention in infrastructure challenges and the planned comprehensive renovation of the orientation camp.
In his remarks, the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, commended Governor Ododo for his sustained support for the Scheme, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure and Corps members’ welfare.
He described Kogi as one of the safest states for Corps members, noting that all 21 local government areas in the state currently receive Corps members due to the government’s effective security architecture. He also lauded the Governor for inaugurating the State NYSC Governing Board and called for continued collaboration between the state government and the Scheme to further improve service delivery and the welfare of Corps members.
