From TCNEWS
Mrs Ufuoma Dick-Iruenabere, Abia state Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has appealed to the State Government, Stakeholders and other corps employers for an upward review of the corps members local allowance from what it is presently, to nothing less than N20,000.
In her introductory address at the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp, Umunna in Bende L.G.A, of Abia State, during the opening ceremony for the orientation course programme for the 2024 Batch A Stream 1 Corps Members deployed to the State, Mrs Dick-Iruenabere, also appealed for the provision of decent accommodation for the corps members in line with the present economic realities in the country.
She noted that such improvement in their welfare packages has a way of motivating them to do more for the people of the state.
While she congratulated the corps members, the NYSC State Coordinator charged them to resolve in their minds to actively participate in all camp activities that was lined up for them.
She further reported that 1,293 so far registered corps members, comprising 642 males and 651 females were ready for the induction programme.
Declaring open the orientation course programme, Abia State Governor Alex Otti who was represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Cyril Nwigwe, assured the NYSC corps members of his administration’s resolve to handsomely reward corps members who strived to uplift their host communities and improve the lives of the less privileged in the state.
He also said that his administration is committed to recognizing and rewarding acts of selfless service and excellence by NYSC members
Governor Otti urged the corps members to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the scheme through its Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training programme.
He said that he was confident that the NYSC Management has meticulously designed the orientation programme to equip corps members for self-employment, thereby empowering them to become employers of labour.
He further urged them to honour the call to service, by giving in there best in all that they do, as well as take time for self-reflection on life beyond the service year.
The Chief Judge, of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice Chido Nwakama, administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members, during the event which saw the Mayor of Bende LGA, Chief Chijioke Nwankwo and Eze Jerry Igwe, the Traditional Ruler of Ikwueze Autonomous Community, Okoko Item, among dignitaries in attendance.
Royal fathers also in attendance at the event were: HRH Eze Chaplain Emmanuel Azubuike Ogbonnaya (Nmaku II, Amaeke Item Autonomous Community); Vice Chairman, Item Traditional Royal Council; HRH Eze Innocent Kalu Mba, JP Igbidi of Umunnato Akanu Item Autonomous Community; HRH Eze Alexander Sunday Agu, Enyimini of Umuakpaeme Autonomous Community; and HRH, Eze Ogbonnaya Sunday Ogbonnaya, Ezenwealafo 1, Echimaudukwu Autonomous Community, Okoko Item.