The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Edo State Government to reinstate the monthly allowances for corps members deployed to the state, citing growing concerns over welfare and support.
During the swearing-in of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, the state’s NYSC Coordinator, Dr. Frances Ben-Ushie, highlighted the direct impact of suspended stipends on redeployment requests.
Ben-Ushie noted that despite corps members’ significant contributions in education, health, and community development across Edo State, many were seeking redeployment due to a lack of financial and feeding support. She acknowledged the government’s provision of transport stipends at the end of orientation but called for broader intervention to improve morale and retention.
She also raised concerns about critical infrastructural deficits at the orientation camp, including inadequate hostel accommodation, the absence of a multipurpose hall, and poor facilities for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. Encroachment on the camp’s land was also reported due to a lack of proper demarcation.
According to Ben-Ushie, the orientation course began on 30 July, and by 1 August, 1,033 corps members had registered—454 males and 579 females.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo at the event, Mrs. Anthonia Odia, Director of Administration at the Ministry of Youth Development, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to corps members’ welfare and security. Okpebholo described Edo as fertile ground for youth development, particularly in agriculture, education, entrepreneurship, technology, and tourism.
The governor encouraged corps members to embrace diversity, build networks, and fully engage in all orientation activities. He reiterated that NYSC remains a vital tool for national unity and youth empowerment, promising that his administration would continue working with the NYSC and relevant security agencies to ensure a safe and impactful service year.
