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Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia of Benue State in Nigeria has pledged to increase the monthly allowance for corps members serving in the state. The governor announced that corps members would now receive a monthly allowance of N15,000, up from the previous amount of N10,000. In addition, doctors serving as corps members will receive N100,000 each. The governor urged the corps members to be ambassadors of change and emphasized the importance of their services to the unity of the country. The increase in allowance is expected to benefit the corps members and support their living expenses during their service.
In what seemed like the dawn of a new era for corps members serving in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has committed his government to paying the state’s corp members a monthly allowance of N15,000 while Doctors receive N100,000 each.
This is against the N10,000 monthly allowance paid by successive governments to serving corp members.
The Governor who made the commitment, at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream one Orientation course, at the NYSC Orientation Camp Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area, LGA, also charged them to be ambassadors of change as they serve their fatherland.
Governor Alia, while speaking at the event said, “Each corps member posted to the state irrespective of their places of primary assignment will be paid N15, 000 monthly by the state government, while the Medical Doctors will be paid N100, 000 each.”
This will serve as an addition to the usual N33,000 corps members receive from the Federal Government every month, making for them, a total of N48,000 naira while medical practitioners amongst them receive N133,000 naira monthly.
As the governor’s declaration put smiles on the faces of many, he also expressed hope that his quota would ignite the NYSC to give their best to the state while reminding them of the importance of their services to the unity of the country.
He said it would be beneficial if the NYSC members took advantage of the many opportunities that come their way especially while they are still in the state as that would drive their impact on humanity and help them improve themselves and the nation at large.
Urging them, he said, “remember that you are part of the larger vision to build a better nation. Each one of you possesses unique skills, talents that can contribute to the growth and development of our beloved state and country at large.
“Embrace your role as ambassadors of change, and let your actions reflect the values of integrity, innovation, and compassion.
“Remember, it is during the moments of adversity that our true character and strength are revealed. Believe in yourself, trust in your abilities, and stay committed to the cause of nation building.”
Earlier, the Benue State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Abe Ashumate lauded the Governor for his magnanimity and for making the welfare of the corps members his priority by providing them food and other essential items while in the camp.
A corps member in Makurdi, the Benue state capital whose name has been withheld, told newsmen that the ministry under which he has been assigned to work while in service had categorically told him that they do not pay corps members any allowances.
The Corp member, assigned to the ministry of agriculture in the state, lamented the high cost of living which the recent removal of fuel subsidy has also contributed to.
According to him, he has to be at his Primary Place of Assignment (PPA) at least four times a week with a day off to meet other requirements of the NYSC.
He explained that he had expected to receive certain allowances from the parastatal as was requested in the letter given him by the NYSC to submit to the ministry. But unfortunately, they are not willing to do anything even as his transport fares, feeding, house rent, and general upkeep rely on the N33,000 monthly allowance by the FG.
