August 01, (THEWILL) – Benue State Governor, Revd Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has increased the monthly allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the State, with a pledge to begin the immediate payment of the new rate.
According to the Governor, henceforth, corps members serving in Benue State, irrespective of their places of primary assignment, will be paid N15,000 monthly by the State Government, while Medical Doctors will be paid N100,000 each.
Governor Alia made the pronouncement on Tuesday, during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream 1 Orientation course held at the NYSC camp, Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of the State.
He charged the corps members to be dedicated to duty and contribute their part in nation-building as they begin the journey to serve their fatherland.
“Remember that you are part of the larger vision to build a better nation. 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,” he said.
He urged them to embrace their roles as ambassadors of change and to ensure that their actions reflect the values of integrity, innovation and compassion.
While advising them to believe in themselves, trust in their abilities, and stay committed to the cause of nation-building, the Governor said it is during the moments of adversity that true character and strength are revealed
Alia, who assured the corps members of an enabling environment, also charged 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 the NYSC, Mr. Abe Dankaro Ashumate, appreciated 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 the corps members while at 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, and accepting lifts and gifts from strangers.
“At all times, you should be good ambassadors of the NYSC, your families and institutions of graduation. You must be wary of acts that can portray the scheme in a bad light, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cyber crimes, and spreading of fake news amongst others.
According to the State Coordinator, over the years, findings indicate that 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 the close of camp on Tuesday, only 700 agreed to stay back in the State for the duration of the mandatory service year,” he said.
