Ododo Promises Improved Welfare, Security for Corps Members in Kogi

By Harriet Tornguvan 

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the welfare, security and overall well-being of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, describing them as vital partners in his government's development agenda.

The governor gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the Government House in Lokoja.

Ododo congratulated Nafiu on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership would bring reforms that would strengthen the NYSC and enhance its contributions to national development.

He assured the NYSC leadership that his administration would continue to provide a safe and conducive environment for Corps members throughout their service year, stressing that the security of residents and visitors, including Corps members, remains a top priority.

The governor disclosed that he had personally inspected the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition, noting that he preferred firsthand evaluation of projects rather than relying solely on reports.

He announced that the state government had concluded plans for a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the orientation camp, with consultants already engaged and architectural designs being prepared to transform the facility into one of the best in the country.

On the payment of the monthly state allowance to Corps members, Ododo expressed dissatisfaction that the scheme 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 issue and ensure prompt payment of the allowance, stressing 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 address manpower shortages in critical sectors, adding that his administration had introduced special incentives, including additional allowances for medical personnel, to improve healthcare delivery.

Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, commended the governor 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 and highlighted the administration's interventions in camp feeding, transportation support, infrastructure development and the planned renovation of the orientation camp.

In his remarks, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised Governor Ododo for his unwavering support for the Scheme, particularly in the areas of security, infrastructure and 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.

Nafiu also commended the governor for inaugurating the State NYSC Governing Board and called for sustained collaboration between the state government and the NYSC to further improve service delivery and the welfare of Corps members.