By Usman Aliyu
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Monday assured National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state that his government is taking steps to address welfare concerns to improve their overall service experience.
Okpebholo made the pledge in his address at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, during the swearing-in ceremony for 1,537 corps members.
The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mr Charity Amayaenvbo.
Okpebholo, said the government had taken note of concerns surrounding camp conditions and welfare arrangements.
“I am aware that some of you may have concerns regarding certain challenges within the camp environment and welfare arrangements.
“Let me assure you that the Edo state government has taken note of these concerns.
“His excellency has directed the relevant authorities to continuously engage stakeholders and explore practical solutions aimed at improving the welfare and overall experience of corps members serving in Edo State,” he said.
According to him, the comfort, security and well-being of corps members remain a priority for the present administration.
“Your comfort, security and well-being remain important to this administration, and efforts are ongoing to address identified challenges within available resources,” he added.
He urged the corps members not to lose sight of the essence of the scheme while government worked on addressing existing challenges.
He encouraged them to participate actively in all orientation camp activities, including lectures, parades, skills acquisition and leadership development programmes.
“The knowledge, discipline and experiences you acquire here may shape your future far beyond this service year,” he said.
The governor also urged the corps members to embrace the culture and people of Edo and see themselves as partners in the state’s development journey.
“As young people, you represent the energy, innovation, creativity and hope of Nigeria.
“Your generation possesses the capacity to transform communities, solve problems and build a stronger and more prosperous nation,” he said.
Earlier, the Edo Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Fasina Adedotun, disclosed that the state had registered 1,537 prospective corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation exercise.
According to him, the figure comprises 648 males and 899 females.
Adedotun said the corps members had successfully completed registration and were ready to begin a new phase of national service.
“Discipline remains pivotal to the successful realisation of the NYSC objectives.
“I, therefore, urge you to embrace self-discipline, display a willingness to learn and make the most of the opportunities available during your service year,” he said.
The coordinator also highlighted the contributions of NYSC to Edo State’s development through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes.
He noted that the HIRD initiative had over the years, provided free medical services to residents of remote communities through corps medical personnel.
He added that corps members trained under the SAED programme had continued to empower youths and women with various vocational skills across the 18 local government areas of the state.
Adedotun commended the Edo government for its sustained support to the scheme, particularly for providing buses to transport corps members to their places of primary assignment after orientation camp.
He also thanked Okpebholo for prioritising the welfare, security and growth of corps members deployed to the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/CHOM
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma
