Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his administration’s 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, saying his tenure would bring reforms that would strengthen the Scheme and enhance its contribution 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 residents and visitors remains a top priority.
Ododo revealed that he had personally inspected the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya on several occasions to assess its condition, noting that his administration prefers firsthand evaluation of projects to relying solely on official reports.
He announced plans for a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the orientation camp, saying consultants had been engaged and architectural designs were 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, the governor expressed surprise that the initiative had not been sustained, describing the situation as unacceptable. He directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with relevant officials to resolve the issue and ensure prompt payment, stressing that Corps members deserve adequate support while serving the nation.
Governor Ododo also appealed to the NYSC to deploy more teachers and medical doctors to Kogi State to strengthen education and healthcare services. He noted that the state government had introduced incentives, including special allowances for medical personnel, to improve healthcare delivery.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kogi State NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Anyebe, commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of Corps members. He described the recent inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board as a landmark achievement for the Scheme in Kogi State.
Anyebe added that the governor had consistently supported the NYSC through improved welfare packages, transportation assistance, enhanced camp feeding, prompt intervention in infrastructure challenges and the planned renovation of the orientation camp.
In his remarks, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, praised Governor Ododo for his sustained 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 measures.
The Director General also commended the inauguration of the State NYSC Governing Board and called for continued collaboration between the state government and the Scheme to further improve service delivery and the welfare of Corps members.
 members serving in the state, describing them as vital partners in the government's development agenda.){kind=link}