The large percentage of corps members moving from Edo to other states has raised issues for the National Youth Service Corps, or NYSC.
According to The Intercept, at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members over the weekend, Mrs. Frances Ben-Ushie, the state coordinator of the Corps, voiced her concerns.
Ben-Ushie ascribed the significant number of corps members leaving the state to both the non-payment of state stipend to active corps members and the absence of meal supplement during the orientation course.
She said that a large number of corps members had been relocated to other states as a result of the orientation course’s absence of food augmentation and the nonpayment of the state stipend to active corps members.
The Coordinator believed that rectifying the issues would significantly improve the efficacy of the orientation program and other NYSC programs in the State for greater impact, and urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to graciously step in and address the difficulties.
She also mentioned the absence of an annual state subsidy to improve the scheme’s operations as required by the NYSC Act as another issue facing corps members at the permanent orientation camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
At the state’s permanent orientation camp, she also urged the Edo government to assist in constructing additional hostel accommodations for corps members.
Critical physical and logistical issues hurting the state’s ability to administer NYSC programs smoothly must be addressed immediately, according to Ben-Ushie.
She lamented the unsatisfactory setting while pleading for improved labs, workshops, and other facilities to improve the practical instruction for NYSC’s program in entrepreneurship and skills development.
“Inadequate hostel facilities for corps members and camp officials continue to pose a major challenge.
“With increasing numbers of participants each year, we urgently need expanded accommodation to ensure comfort and safety.
“We also appealed to the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo to help in resolving electricity and water challenges at the camp. These have significantly increased the operational costs of running the orientation camp.
“There is a need for the completion of the main access gate into the orientation camp as well as to provide operational vehicles for monitoring and inspection of corps members across the state.
“Unavailability of a multipurpose hall, as the dining hall is presently utilized for all hall activities.
“Lack of distinct demarcation and documentation of the extension of the camp premises which has resulted in encroachment by unauthorized individuals”, she added.
Nonetheless, she praised the state government for continuing to provide buses to transfer corps members to their different primary assignment locations.
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Monday Okpebholo, the state governor, encouraged the new corps members to take advantage of the many opportunities in the state, which include business, technology, tourism, education, and agriculture.
Okpebholo gave the NYSC members assurances on their welfare, safety, and security in the state while being represented by Mrs. Aiyegbeni Balogun, the state’s Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs’ Functioning Permanent Secretary.
“From the moment you arrived in Edo, we have worked diligently to ensure that the environment is conducive for you to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy a fulfilling year.
“Your contributions to Edo, whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, or community development, will have a lasting impact on our social and economic landscape.
“This is your chance not only to give back to society but leave a legacy that inspires others,” he said.
