Kogi Governor Pledges Enhanced Welfare, Security for Corps Members
Oru Leonard
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 vital partners in the government’s development agenda.
Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Government House in Lokoja, where he also pledged major improvements to the Scheme’s facilities and welfare package.
Congratulating the NYSC Director General on his appointment, the Governor expressed confidence in his leadership, saying his tenure would bring reforms that would further strengthen the Scheme and enhance its contribution to national development.
He assured the NYSC leadership that Kogi State would continue to provide a safe, secure and conducive environment for Corps members throughout their service year, stressing that the protection of residents and visitors, including Corps members, remains a top priority of his administration.
Governor Ododo disclosed that he had personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition. He said his government had concluded plans for a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the camp, adding that consultants had already been engaged and architectural designs were being prepared to transform the facility into one of the best orientation camps in the country.
On the payment of the monthly state allowance to Corps members, the Governor expressed dissatisfaction that the practice had not been sustained. He immediately directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with relevant officials to review the situation and ensure prompt restoration of the allowance, insisting that Corps members deserve adequate support while serving the nation.
The Governor also appealed to the NYSC to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to strengthen service delivery in the education and health sectors. He noted that his administration had introduced attractive incentives, including special allowances for medical personnel, to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, praised Governor Ododo for prioritising the welfare of Corps members. He noted that the recent inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board marked a significant milestone in the history of the Scheme in Kogi State.
According to Anyebe, 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 renovation of the orientation camp.
In his remarks, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, commended Governor Ododo for his unwavering 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.
The Director General also applauded the inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board and called for sustained collaboration between the Kogi State Government and the NYSC to further enhance service delivery and improve the welfare of Corps members.
