The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to the Edo government to resume the payment of monthly stipends to corps members serving in the state.

The appeal was made on Friday by Frances Ben-Ushie, the NYSC coordinator in Edo, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.

Ms Ben-Ushie linked the increasing trend of mass relocation requests by corps members to the lack of state support, particularly non-payment of allowances and insufficient feeding augmentation.

“Corps members have continued to make an impact in education, health, and community development across Edo, yet many opt to redeploy due to the absence of financial support,” she said.

She acknowledged the state government’s effort in consistently providing transportation allowances at the end of orientation, but appealed for broader intervention.

“We appeal to Your Excellency to kindly intervene in addressing these challenges,” she stated. “Resolving them will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the NYSC programme in Edo.”

Ms Ben-Ushie also highlighted critical infrastructural gaps at the orientation camp, including inadequate hostels, the absence of a multipurpose hall, and poor facilities for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.

She also expressed concern over land encroachment due to a lack of proper camp demarcation.

She noted that the orientation course commenced on July 30, and as of August 1, 1,033 corps members had been registered, comprising 454 males and 579 females.

In his address, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Anthonia Odia, director of administration at the Ministry of Youth Development, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members.

Mr Okpebholo said Edo remained fertile ground for youths to explore opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.

He encouraged the new corps members to actively participate in orientation activities, embrace Nigeria’s diversity, and use the NYSC platform to build lasting friendships and networks.

“As your governor, I assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to your welfare and security.

“We are working closely with NYSC, security agencies, and community leaders to ensure a safe and impactful service year,” he said.

(NAN)