The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for raising the monthly allowance of corps members serving in the state to N20,000. He also commended the ongoing reconstruction of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Awgu, noting that these efforts reflect the governor’s support for the NYSC scheme.
Nafiu made these remarks during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House in Enugu. He emphasized the importance of the camp as a place for fostering community and cultural integration among Nigerian youths.
During his visit, Nafiu inspected the NYSC permanent orientation camp and assessed the safety and welfare of the corps members. He highlighted that 11,116 Enugu state indigenes, comprising 4,219 males and 6,797 females, are currently serving across the country, with 5,636 of them stationed within Enugu.
He encouraged corps members to respect the culture and values of their host communities. Nafiu also mentioned that discipline is a core value instilled by the NYSC, revealing that 131 corps members had their service years extended due to violations.
In response, Governor Mbah assured the DG of the state government’s commitment to completing the reconstruction of the Awgu camp promptly. He emphasized the historical significance of the camp, recalling its role in promoting national reconciliation after the Civil War.
Mbah reiterated the NYSC’s role in uniting young people from diverse backgrounds and pledged continued support for the welfare and safety of corps members. He noted that corps members contribute significantly to various sectors, including healthcare and education.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Lloyd Ekweremadu, added that corps members in the medical sector are already receiving increased allowances, with doctors earning N80,000 and nurses N40,000.
