NYSC wants monthly pay restored for Edo corps members

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Edo Government to resume the payment of monthly stipends to corps members serving in the state.

The appeal was made on Friday by Dr Frances Ben-Ushie, the NYSC Coordinator in Edo, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.

Ben-Ushie linked the increasing trend of mass relocation requests by corps members to the lack of state support, particularly non-payment of allowances and insufficient feeding augmentation.

“Corps members have continued to make an impact in education, health, and community development across Edo.

“Yet many opt to redeploy due to the absence of financial support,” she said.

She acknowledged the state government’s effort in consistently providing transportation allowances at the end of orientation but appealed for broader intervention.

“We appeal to Your Excellency to kindly intervene in addressing these challenges.

“Resolving them will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme in Edo,” she added.

Ben-Ushie also highlighted critical infrastructural gaps at the orientation camp, including inadequate hostels, absence of a multipurpose hall, and poor facilities for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

She also expressed concern over land encroachment due to lack of proper camp demarcation.

She noted that the orientation course commenced on July 30, and as of Aug. 1, a total of 1,033 corps members had been registered, comprising 454 males and 579 females.

“This marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives.

“I urge you to embrace discipline, be eager to learn, and make the most of this opportunity,” she told the corps members.

In his address, Gov. Monday Okpebholo, represented by Mrs Anthonia Odia, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Youth Development, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members.

Okpebholo said Edo remained fertile ground for youth to explore opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.

“The SAED programme is tailored to help you harness these opportunities.

“Your contributions to Edo, whether in healthcare, education, or community development, will leave a lasting impact,” the governor said.

He encouraged the new corps members to actively participate in orientation activities, embrace Nigeria’s diversity, and use the NYSC platform to build lasting friendships and networks.

Okpebholo emphasised that the NYSC scheme remained a vital tool for national unity and youth development.

“As your governor, I assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to your welfare and security.

“We are working closely with NYSC, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure a safe and impactful service year,” he said.