Alia advises Corps members to embrace skills acquisition

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Friday encouraged corps members posted to the state to prioritise the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programs of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The governor delivered this charge to the 1,200 corps members of Batch B, Stream 2, posted to the state during the opening ceremony of the orientation course held at the NYSC Camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

Alia stated, “I admonish you to take the program seriously, as it is a gateway to great fortune.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. John Akume, Governor Alia informed the corps members that they have a significant role to play in shaping the future of the country. He urged them to “serve the country with unreserved loyalty and dedication.”

He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the security, safety, and welfare of the corps members in every part of the state.

The governor further applauded the State Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, and the camp officials for equipping the corps members with the requisite leadership skills.

In her welcome speech, the State Coordinator expressed gratitude to the state governor for the unwavering love and support that the NYSC Scheme has enjoyed under his leadership since his assumption of office.

“Your Excellency, Sir, 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,” she added.

ALSO READ: FCTA supplies basic medical consumables to Abuja general hospitals

Mrs. Garba also highlighted areas of intervention by the governor, including the control of erosion in the orientation camp through the construction of drainages and road networks, which she said is at an advanced stage.

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

The high point of the program was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the corps members by the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice M.A. Ikpambese, represented by Justice Josephine Ayua.