The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has raised concerns over the growing number of corps members relocating from Edo State due to the non-payment of allowances and other challenges.
Speaking at the weekend during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Frances Ben-Ushie, cited the absence of feeding support during the orientation course and the non-payment of state allowances as major reasons for the mass exodus.
Ben-Ushie appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene, stressing that addressing these issues would significantly enhance the effectiveness of NYSC programmes and activities in the state.
She also identified the lack of an annual state subvention, critical infrastructure deficits, and logistical challenges at the permanent orientation camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, as major impediments to the scheme’s operations.
According to her, the camp faces acute shortages in hostel accommodation for corps members and officials, inadequate workshops and laboratories needed for the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, as well as persistent electricity and water supply challenges.
“Inadequate hostel facilities for corps members and camp officials continue to pose a major challenge,” Ben-Ushie said. “With increasing numbers of participants each year, we urgently need expanded accommodation to ensure their comfort and safety.”
She also noted the need for the completion of the camp’s main access gate, the provision of operational vehicles for effective monitoring and inspection, and the construction of a multipurpose hall, as the current dining hall is being used for all indoor activities.
Highlighting another concern, she lamented the lack of proper demarcation and documentation of the camp’s premises, which has led to encroachments by unauthorized individuals.
Despite the challenges, Ben-Ushie commended the Edo State Government for consistently providing buses to transport corps members to their places of primary assignment.
In his remarks, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Mrs. Aiyegbeni Balogun, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, encouraged the new corps members to take advantage of opportunities across various sectors in the state, including agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
“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,” Okpebholo said.
“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.”
