The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, announced that the Federal Government is set to increase the monthly allowance for corps members once the ongoing negotiations on the new minimum wage are finalized.
Ahmed made this disclosure on Saturday while addressing 2,762 Batch B, Stream One corps members at the Ogun State NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu.
Ahmed also warned corps members against posting camp activities on social media, revealing that three members were recently expelled for violating this rule. “Let me remind you of the camp rules: you are not allowed to post camp activities online or on social media. Three of your colleagues were found breaking these rules and have been decamped,” he stated.
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He congratulated the corps members on reaching the orientation camp, noting that many of their peers were not as fortunate.
He urged them to take the regimented training seriously, as it is designed to sharpen their leadership skills and make them more useful to society.
Ahmed emphasized the importance of safety, advising against nighttime journeys and unnecessary travel. “We have lost many corps members to such activities in the past.
Even if you must travel, you must have permission and find somewhere to sleep once it is 6 p.m.,” he cautioned.
Regarding the allowance, Ahmed assured the corps members that their stipend would increase once the new minimum wage negotiations are concluded. “There is no way the government will forget you because you are really special,” he added.
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Impressed by the military skills displayed by the parade guard, Ahmed encouraged the youths to consider a career in the military.
He also stressed the importance of respecting local cultures and discharging their duties responsibly as ambassadors of the 51-year-old NYSC scheme.
Ahmed donated four cows for the feeding of the corps members, a gesture that was met with loud cheers.
Welcoming the Director-General, the Ogun State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, highlighted the camp’s efforts to prevent cholera outbreaks, including the provision of handwashing stations and sanitizers.
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She also noted the participation of corps members in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, which aims to equip them with job creation skills.
Nasamu identified several needs of the orientation camp, including additional boreholes, water reservoirs, bunks, mattresses, a functional ambulance, and a proper food store.
She praised the corps members for their active participation in all camp programs and reiterated the camp’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.