Follow Us on Google
From John Adams, Minna; Ola Muhammad, Birnin Kebbi; Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Governors Umaru Bago of Niger, Nasir Idris of Kebbi and Peter Mbah of Enugu States have announced measures to improve the welfare, security and living conditions of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in their respective states.
While Bago promised the speedy completion of ongoing renovation works at the permanent NYSC orientation camp in Niger, Idris assured corps members of adequate security throughout their one-year national service.
Mbah, on his part, approved an improved monthly state allowance for corps members serving in Enugu, with payment expected to commence at the end of November.
The governors made the announcements on Friday during the swearing-in ceremonies for the 2026 Batch C Stream II corps members deployed to their respective states.
In Niger, Bago, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mallam Umar Garba Ngeski, said the ongoing comprehensive renovation of the permanent orientation camp at Paiko, headquarters of Paikoro Local Government Area, would be completed in record time.
He said the upgraded facility, which would be equipped with modern amenities, would rank among the best orientation camps in the country.
The governor stressed that his administration was committed to the welfare, safety and security of corps members, adding that its responsibility would extend beyond the three-week orientation exercise to the entire service year.
He disclosed that the government had mandated host communities, traditional rulers and security agencies to provide a peaceful and conducive environment for corps members.
He urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria and contribute to national unity, socioeconomic growth and community development.
In Kebbi, Idris, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nura Fingilla, assured 806 corps members deployed to the state of adequate security.
He said Kebbi had continued to enjoy relative peace despite security challenges in parts of the country, attributing this to collaboration among the government, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders and vigilant residents.
He pledged continued cooperation with the NYSC, Armed Forces, Nigeria Police and other security agencies to protect corps members and other residents.
The governor urged the corps members to remain security-conscious, avoid unnecessary risks, obey camp regulations and report suspicious movements to the appropriate authorities. He also donated two bulls to them as welcome gifts.
The Chief Judge of Kebbi State, Justice Abubakar Umar, represented by Justice Nurudeen Muhammad, administered the oath of allegiance.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Bala Kagarko, disclosed that the 806 registered corps members comprised 476 males and 330 females. He reminded the state government of its responsibilities to the scheme, including providing camp facilities, office accommodation, feeding support, monthly allowances and periodic maintenance.
In Enugu, Mbah announced an improved monthly state allowance for corps members, with payment expected to begin at the end of November.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, said he had forwarded the corps members’ details to the Accountant-General for processing.
He also disclosed that his administration was upgrading the orientation camp through the renovation of existing facilities, water reticulation, provision of an additional borehole and reconnection to electricity.
New accommodation facilities for corps members and staff, as well as an auditorium, are also under construction.
Mbah urged the corps members to demonstrate discipline, commitment and professionalism at their places of primary assignment and contribute meaningfully to their host communities.
He encouraged them to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to acquire practical skills for life after service.
