Northern states benefit most from NYSC – Kebbi govt

From Olanrewaju Lawal, Birnin Kebbi 

The Kebbi State government has noted that Northern states have benefited more from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) since its creation 53 years ago.

Commissioner for Sports and Youths Development, Nurudeen Bala- Fingilla, disclosed this while speaking at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) state secretariat, Birnin Kebbi, during the scheme’s 53 years anniversary.

Fingilla also disclosed that the state government would increase the state allowances of corps members serving in the state.

He said: “This is the first time that the longest serving commissioner in the state attended this kind of programme. Like what the state Coordinator said, NYSC is a blessing to the Northern Region.

“Northern states are the most beneficiaries of this scheme. I can recall vividly some of the achievements of the corps members posted to Kebbi. Some of their legacies still stand till today across many rural communities.

“Moreover, secondary schools in the state, which were in need of some structures, were provided and rehabilitated by corps members. Again, most of these corps members also have independent projects, which they executed, such as bill boards, classrooms and toilets among others.”

According to him, the state government would soon announce an increment in the corps members’ state allowances.

Earlier, the state coordinator of NYSC in the state, Alhaji Bala Dabo Kigarko, noted that the scheme, which was created by former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Retd), has continued to strengthen the unity and integration of the country.

Kigarko, represented by the Assistant Director of Human Resources, Alhaji Umar Musa, disclosed that the scheme has provided opportunities for the youths to be employers of labour rather than relying on white collar jobs.