By ZAKAA LAZARUS
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, security and well-being of Corps members serving in the state, describing them as critical partners in the government’s development agenda.
Governor Ododo gave the assurance while receiving the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Government House in Lokoja.
Congratulating the Director General on his appointment, the Governor expressed confidence in his leadership, saying his tenure would be remembered for reforms that would further strengthen the Scheme and enhance its contributions to national development.
He 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.
Governor Ododo disclosed that he had personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition, noting that his administration places premium on firsthand evaluation of projects rather than relying solely on reports.
He announced that the state government had concluded plans to undertake a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the orientation camp to improve its infrastructure and position it among the best in the country. According to him, consultants had already been engaged and architectural designs were being prepared for the project.
On the payment of the monthly state allowance to Corps members, Governor Ododo expressed surprise that this had not been sustained, describing the development as unacceptable. He immediately directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with relevant government officials to review the matter and ensure prompt action, stressing that Corps members deserve adequate support and encouragement while serving the nation.
He further appealed to the NYSC to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to strengthen service delivery in critical sectors. The Governor noted that his administration had introduced attractive incentives, including special 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 Governor Ododo for prioritising the welfare of Corps members. He noted that the Governor recently inaugurated the State NYSC Governing Board, describing the development as a landmark achievement in the history of the Scheme in Kogi State.
Anyebe added that the Governor has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the Scheme 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 NYSC, 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 the state’s 21 local government areas currently receive Corps members owing to the government’s effective security architecture.
The Director General also lauded the Governor for inaugurating the State NYSC Governing Board and appealed for sustained collaboration between the state government and the Scheme to further enhance service delivery and the welfare of Corps members.
