…Encourages Corps Members to Join Agricultural Initiatives
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Tuesday, July 2, awarded ₦200,000 bonuses to each of the Batch B, Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state.
The largesse aims to encourage the 1,600 corps members to remain and serve in the state, a gesture that was met with loud cheers and applause during the NYSC Batch B, Stream 1 orientation ceremony held at the temporary camp in Paikoro.
Governor Bago announced that corps members venturing into agriculture could earn up to ₦500,000 monthly and revealed a ₦5 billion investment for the start-up of a new NYSC camp. “I was told that there are 1,600 corps members for this batch. I am crediting each of your accounts with ₦200,000. This will enable you to be comfortable to stay in Niger State. This is to show you that there is prosperity in Niger State. I will do my best to ensure that corps members enjoy serving in Niger State,” he said.
Bago also promised to improve the temporary camp facilities by constructing more toilets and drilling five boreholes. He pledged 20 cows and a trailer load of rice for the corps members’ welfare.
The governor further announced automatic employment for corps members in the medical and health fields, urging others to contribute to the state’s agricultural sector. He emphasized the state’s investment in mechanization to drive youth interest in agriculture.
Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, disclosed that the federal government plans to empower 5,000 NYSC members with up to ₦10 million each for entrepreneurial ventures upon completing their service. She also announced the launch of the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to train over one million young Nigerians in various fields, including technology and agriculture.
“Your service to our nation is invaluable, and it is my sincere hope that you will use this year to lay a strong foundation for your future and develop a well-rounded skill set. Approach this experience with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps praised Governor Bago’s generosity, noting that it would motivate corps members to perform their best while serving the state. He also urged other governors to emulate Niger State’s example and assured corps members of their safety and security throughout their service.
