Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have appealed to the Edo State Government to help build more hostel facilities for corps members at its permanent orientation camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of the State.
Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, the Edo State Coordinator of NYSC, appealed on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 1,900 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Corps members posted to the State.
Ben-Ushie said there is an urgent need to address critical infrastructure and logistical challenges affecting the smooth implementation of NYSC programmes in the state.
“Inadequate hostel facilities for corps members and camp officials continue to pose a major challenge.
“With increasing numbers of participants each year, we urgently need expanded accommodation to ensure comfort and safety, he said.
The State’s NYSC coordinator who also decried inadequate learning environment, however,called for better workshops, laboratories and other facilities to enhance the hands-on training for NYSC’s skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programme.
She also appealed to the State Governor Monday Okpebholo to help in resolving electricity and water challenges at the camp.
According to her, there is a need for the completion of the main access gate into the orientation camp and as well to provide operational vehicles for monitoring and inspection of corps members across the state.
Other concerns raised by the State NYSC Coordinator include the need for demarcation of the camp premises to prevent encroachment.
Ben-Ushie who also called for the payment of state allowances to corps members, noted that the absence of financial support has led to “massive relocation” of corps members to other states.
“We also appeal for annual state subvention and feeding augmentation during orientation courses, in line with the NYSC Act,” she added.
She, however, commended the state Government for its continued provision of buses for the transportation of corps members to their various places of primary assignment.
In his address, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urged the new corps members to tap into the numerous opportunities in the state, cutting across agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
Okpebholo represented by Mrs Aiyegbeni Balogun, Functioning Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, assured the NYSC members of their welfare, safety and security in the state.
“From the moment you arrived in Edo, we have worked diligently to ensure that the environment is conducive for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully and enjoy a fulfilling year.
“Your contributions to Edo, whether in education, healthcare, agriculture or community development, will have a lasting impact on our social and economic landscape.
“This is your chance not only to give back to the society but leave a legacy that inspires others,” he stated.
