KOGI GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CORPS MEMBERS' WELFARE, SECURITY, ORDERS RESTORATION OF STATE ALLOWANCE

KOGI GOVERNOR REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO CORPS MEMBERS' WELFARE, SECURITY, ORDERS RESTORATION OF STATE ALLOWANCE

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration's unwavering 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.

Congratulating the Director-General on his appointment, the Governor expressed confidence in his leadership, stating that his tenure would be remembered for transformative reforms that would further strengthen the Scheme and deepen 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, emphasizing that his administration believes in firsthand evaluation of projects rather than relying solely on reports.

He announced that the state government had concluded plans for the 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 have already been engaged, while architectural designs for the project are being finalised.

On the payment of the monthly state allowance to Corps members, Governor Ododo expressed surprise that the payment had not been sustained, describing the situation as unacceptable. He immediately directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with relevant government officials to review the matter and ensure the prompt restoration of the allowance, stressing that Corps members deserve adequate support and encouragement during their national service.

The Governor also appealed to the NYSC to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to strengthen service delivery in critical sectors. He noted that his administration has 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, commended Governor Ododo for consistently 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 continued to demonstrate exceptional commitment to the NYSC 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 the 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 21 local government areas in the state currently receive Corps members due 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 Kogi State Government and the NYSC to further enhance service delivery and improve the welfare of Corps members.