By Jethro Ibileke
The Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, has disclosed that the non-inclusion of financial support by the State Government has resulted in mass relocation of members to other States.
She disclosed this on Friday, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Corps members, held at the Orientation Camp in Okada.
Ben-Ushie, who also appealed for “annual State subvention and feeding augmentation during orientation courses, in line with the NYSC Act,” called for the payment of State allowances to Corps members, noting that the absence of financial support has led to “massive relocation” of Corps members to other States.
This is even as she called on the Edo Government to help build more hostel accommodation for corps members at the state’s permanent orientation camp in Okada.
Ben-Ushie said there was a need to urgently address critical infrastructure and logistical challenges affecting the smooth implementation of NYSC programmes in the state.
Besides the accommodation issue, the NYSC also bemoaned an inadequate learning environment.
She called for better workshops, laboratories and other facilities to enhance the hands-on training for NYSC’s skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programme.
“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, he said.
She also appealed to Gov. Monday Okpebholo to help in resolving the electricity and water challenges at the camp.
“There is a need for the completion of the main access gate into the orientation camp and as well as to provide operational vehicles for monitoring and inspection of corps members across the state.
Other concerns raised the need for demarcation of the camp premises to prevent encroachment.
The Coordinator, however, lauded the State Government for its continued provision of buses for the transportation of Corps members to their various places of primary assignment.
In his remarks, the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, urged the new Corps members to tap into the numerous opportunities in the State, cutting across agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship and tourism.
Okpebholo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the State’s Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs Aiyegbeni Balogun, assured the NYSC members of their welfare, safety and security in the state.
“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 to leave a legacy that inspires others,” he said.