Benue corps members get better welfare packages
By Brenda Agba
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced improved monthly allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), posted to Benue State.
The Governor made this known during the closing ceremony for the 2023 Batch B Stream 1 Orientation Course, held at the NYSC camp, Wannune, Tarka local government area of the state.
Governor Alia, who promised to provide an enabling environment for the corps members disclosed that, irrespective of their places of primary assignment, each corps member posted to the state will be paid ₦15,000 monthly by the state government, while the Medical Doctors will be paid ₦100,000 each.
He charged the corps members to be dedicated to duty and contribute their quota in nation building, as they begin the journey to serve their fatherland.
Speaking further, the governor urged them to remember that they are part of the larger vision to build a better Nigeria.
“Each one of you possesses unique skills and talents that can contribute to the growth and development of our beloved state and country at large.
“Embrace your role as ambassadors of change and let your actions reflect the values of integrity, innovation, and compassion.
“Remember, it is during the moments of adversity that our true character and strength are revealed. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and stay committed to the cause of nation building”, he advised.
The Governor who assured the corps members of an enabling environment, also urged them to be bold and courageous, taking advantage of every opportunity that will present itself while in the state.
Earlier in his address, the Benue State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Abe Dankaro Ashumate, expressed appreciation to the governor for his magnanimity and for making the welfare of the corps members his priority, by providing food and other very important items for them while in camp.
He cautioned the corps members to avoid acts that will endanger their lives such as staying out late, attending night parties, visiting dangerous places, as well as accepting lifts and gifts from strangers.
“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC, your families and the institutions you graduated from. Therefore, you must be wary of acts that can portray the scheme in bad light, especially, drug abuse and trafficking, cyber crimes, and spreading of fake news amongst others,” Ashumate cautioned.
Findings indicate that over the years, there has been a high number of corps members redeploying from the state for reasons of poor welfare.
In the current Batch B, Stream 1, for instance, about 1,500 reported to the camp but before close of camp on Tuesday, only 700 agreed to stay back in the state for the duration of the mandatory service year.
