The Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ada Imoni, appealed to the state government to resume paying monthly stipends to corps members.
The past administration stopped the initial N1 000 monthly payment to corps members serving in the state.
Imoni made this plea on Tuesday, 16th May, in her address to corps members at the temporary orientation camp at Amada Akko LGA. The speech climaxed the orientation activities for 857 males and 586 females, totaling 1,443,
According to her, it is necessary to reintroduce the state monthly allowances to motivate the corps members serve the state creditably.
She had also urged all the soon-to-be graduates to live by the norms of their host society as it would promote and maintain peace between them and the locals.
She said, “At this juncture, may I appeal to His Excellency to resuscitate the payment of monthly stipend to corps members serving in the State, especially those in the rural areas. If implemented, it will serve as a morale booster and will also spur them to give their best to the development of the state. Thanking you in anticipation, Your Excellency.”
Imoni added, “It is pertinent, I remind corps members of the ideals of the scheme instilled in them in the course of this orientation course. As you proceed to your places of primary assignment, you must respect the culture, traditions and norms of your host communities. Remember, respect begets respect. It is, therefore, necessary for you to learn to mingle with them for the next year.”
Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in response, commended the corps members for being integral in the state development.
As he commended them, he also reminded them of how much influence they can have on the resident youths. He took the time to remind them of the need to avoid corruption and harmful social traits and involvements.
Represented by his Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Abubakar Musa, the governor said:
“You are to integrate into your host communities by learning about their culture, language and norms. We are receptive to visitors and will love to have you as part of the addition to our communities. The one-year sojourn in Gombe state will afford you the opportunity to devote time to the felt needs of especially the rural dwellers as we tap from your experience. talents, skills and ingenuity for the good of the state.
“Our young ones look up to you for guidance. Use the training received in the course of this orientation course to make a positive impact in their lives. The governor added, “My administration is passionate about education. With the help of corps members who have been a major part of our workforce in schools within and outside the state metropolis, our young ones have been competing favourably with their counterparts in the North-East.”
