Ododo Orders Immediate Restoration of NYSC Allowance, Moves to Transform Kogi Orientation Camp By Raymond Enoch
KOGI State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has directed the immediate review and restoration of the monthly state allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, while unveiling an ambitious plan to comprehensively renovate and modernise the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya as part of renewed efforts to improve the welfare and security of Corps members.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), following the visit of the Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to the Government House in Lokoja.
Receiving the NYSC Director-General, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing a safe, secure and conducive environment for Corps members, describing them as indispensable partners in the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
The Governor congratulated Brigadier General Nafiu on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership would usher in reforms that would further strengthen the NYSC and deepen its contributions to national development.
Ododo revealed that he had personally visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition, explaining that his administration believes in firsthand evaluation of projects rather than relying solely on official reports.
He announced that consultants had already been engaged and architectural designs were being prepared for a comprehensive upgrade of the camp, with the goal of transforming it into one of the best orientation facilities in Nigeria.
In a move expected to excite serving Corps members, the Governor expressed displeasure that payment of the state’s monthly allowance 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 ensure prompt action and restore the payments.
Governor Ododo also appealed to the NYSC management to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to address manpower shortages in critical sectors, noting that his administration has introduced special incentives, including enhanced allowances for healthcare professionals.
The Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, commended the Governor for consistently prioritising the welfare of Corps members, citing the recent inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board, improved camp feeding, transportation support and planned infrastructure upgrades as clear demonstrations of the administration’s commitment.
Speaking during the visit, 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 in Nigeria, noting that all 21 local government areas of the state currently receive Corps members due to the government’s effective security architecture.
The Director-General also commended the Governor for inaugurating the State NYSC Governing Board and called for sustained collaboration between the Kogi State Government and the NYSC to further improve service delivery and enhance the experience of Corps members serving in the state.
