Serve Nigeria with unreserved loyalty, Benue gov urges corps members

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, admonished the new corps members deployed to the state to serve the country with unreserved loyalty and dedication.

Addressing the corps members of Batch B, Stream 2, during the opening ceremony of the orientation course held at the NYSC Camp, located in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, Alia reminded them that they each have a significant role to play in shaping the future of Nigeria.

“Therefore, you must serve the country with unreserved loyalty and dedication,” the governor said.

The governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. John Akume, urged the corps members to prioritise the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

He said, “I admonish you to take the programme seriously as it is a gateway to great fortune.”

While reiterating his administration’s commitment to the security, safety, and welfare of corps members in every part of the state, Alia commended the State Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, and the Camp Officials for equipping the corps members with essential leadership skills.

Earlier in her welcome speech, the State Coordinator, Veronica Garba, expressed gratitude to the state governor for his unwavering support, which the NYSC Scheme has enjoyed under his leadership since he assumed office.

She said, “Your Excellency, I want you to know that all the serving corps members are extremely happy with the regular payment of their monthly state allowance of fifteen thousand naira and the recent approval of one million naira for the four outstanding 2023 Batch B corps members.”

Garba also appreciated the governor for his administration’s intervention in controlling erosion at the Orientation Camp through the construction of drainage systems and road networks, which she said are reaching an advanced stage.

She further advised the corps members to make the most of the opportunity provided by the Federal Government, as well as the welfare packages put in place by the state government, to actively participate in every aspect of the NYSC Orientation Course and other key programmes in the state.

A total of 1,200 corps members of Batch B, Stream 2, deployed to the state took an oath of allegiance, administered by Justice Josephine Ayua, who represented the State Chief Judge, M.A. Ikpambese.