By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended the Ebonyi State Government for approving a monthly allowance of N30,000 for Corps Members serving in the State.
General Nafiu gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Princess Patricia Obila, in Abakaliki.
He described the gesture as a demonstration of the State Government’s commitment to the welfare of Corps Members, noting that Ebonyi had become a trailblazer in providing an enabling environment for young Nigerians serving under the Scheme.
The NYSC DG noted that Ebonyi was among the South-East states where the Scheme enjoys peaceful deployment and a cordial relationship with host communities and stakeholders.
He also appreciated the State Government for providing a monthly stipend to the NYSC State Secretariat and for supporting the Scheme during orientation exercises, particularly through feeding augmentation.
Nafiu commended the people of Afikpo, host community of the NYSC Orientation Camp, for their continued support and hospitality towards the Scheme and Corps Members.
He disclosed that about 6,000 Corps Members are currently serving in Ebonyi State, with the majority deployed to the public sector.
The DG explained that NYSC operates on the concurrent list, with responsibilities shared by the Federal, State and Local Governments.
“The State Government is to provide the Orientation Camp, furnish it and make it habitable, while we operate. The States are equally to provide security for the Corps Members in conjunction with the Local Governments within the State,” he said.
Nafiu added that Local Governments are expected, under the NYSC Act, to provide accommodation for Corps Members.
He appealed to the State Government to undertake maintenance works at the Orientation Camp, particularly at the clinic, multipurpose hall, hostels, perimeter fence and other facilities.
The NYSC helmsman also identified Ebonyi as suitable for the expansion of the Scheme’s rice farming initiative and urged the State Government to reconsider granting NYSC access to land in Ezilo for the project.
“I am appealing to you and His Excellency to give another consideration and oblige us to use the farm,” he said.
Responding, the Deputy Governor, who spoke on behalf of the Governor, commended the NYSC Management for its mentorship and guidance of Corps Members.
She said the importance of the NYSC Scheme since its establishment in 1973 cannot be over-emphasised, citing its contributions to national integration through inter-tribal marriages, cultural exchange and academic exposure.
“Here in Ebonyi State, we have been working as a team and we have good synergy with the Secretariat. We work like a family,” she said.
Princess Obila disclosed that the State Government is constructing a female hostel at the Orientation Camp, adding that the facility is being expanded annually due to high demand by prospective Corps Members to serve in the State.
She described Ebonyi as a hospitable State willing to deepen its partnership with NYSC and assured that the Camp would be given a facelift. She also promised to make further enquiries on the request for Ezilo land.
“With all the requests you have made, I am assuring you that we will do something for the sake of our children. We are highly committed to giving you a leverage that will make our Corps Members live comfortably,” she said.
