Ayo Ola
The Benue State Government has concluded plans to commence disbursement of state allowances for Corps Members serving in the State. His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Reverend Father, Dr Hyacinth Alia disclosed this today (Tuesday), while addressing the 2023 Batch C, Stream 1 Corps Members deployed to the State, according to a statement from by the Principal Public Relations Officer, National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Benue State, Victoria Ogwuche.
The Governor, represented by the Honorable Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of NYSC state governing board, Rt Honourable, Terkimbi Ikyange, saluted the zeal and enthusiasm exhibited by the Corps Members while taking their Oath of allegiance to service, displaying their readiness to uphold the tenets of the NYSC after 50 years of its establishment.
He urged them to discard any fear and skepticism as the Benue State Government under his watch is committed to ensuring that their staying in the State is worthwhile throughout the service year; while also assuring them that their security is highly guaranteed across the state.
“ I must inform you that, Benue people are very hospitable and highly accommodating to visitors, especially Corps Members. I therefore implore you to relax and feel at home, because Benue is home away from home “, he added.
He further expressed the Government’s commitment to addressing the current economic situations precipitated by the recent withdrawal of fuel subsidies, reiterating the palliative measures that have been put in place by the government to ensure food security across the state and by extension, the country.
The Governor equally stressed that the recent pronouncement on the payment of Corps Members’ Monthly Allowance is not just a mere “administrative ornament “ as portrayed by some naysayers and mischief makers. “As a matter of fact, the policy has come to stay as my administration is already on the brink of concluding necessary arrangements to begin the disbursement of the funds “, he said.
He encouraged the Corps Members to interact freely with their colleagues from other parts of the country, as well as their host communities after the Orientation course, so as to establish friendships that will last a lifetime.
He charged them to be good ambassadors of the NYSC Scheme, operating strictly within the ambits of the law; tolerating and accommodating one another ‘s diverse views and backgrounds which might be at a crossroads with theirs.
“Always remember the beauty that lies behind diversity. It’s unquantifiable.”
He reminded them to utilize the platform offered by NYSC to showcase their intellect, creativity and ingenuity tailored towards nation-building anywhere they find themselves; encouraging them to carry out community development service so as to stand out and etch their names in the sand of time
Reverend Alia also thanked the state Coordinator, Mr Abe Dankaro Ashumate, staff and Collaborating Agencies on Camp for their tireless efforts, dedication and bravery.
“I assure you that our administration will never relent in supporting and extending our hand of goodwill to the NYSC scheme in the state”, he reiterated.
Earlier, the state Coordinator, Mr Abe Dankaro Ashumate in his address appreciated the state Government for the unflinching support to the scheme and Corps members.
He informed the Governor that the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME), for the drainage on the camp to curtail erosion and bad roads network challenge has been prepared by corps members and is awaiting approval as directed by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State
Speaking further, the Coordinator advised the young Nigerians to sustain ” the high level of discipline and enthusiasm that have been demonstrated so far ” adding that they should shun social vices, such as cultism and drug abuse; while also advocating for the correct use of social media platforms.
Mr Abe admonished the corps members to participate in the SAED programme as white-collar jobs are not readily available.