NYSC Members to Receive Increased Allowance Pending Minimum Wage Outcome

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has announced that the Federal Government plans to increase the monthly allowance of corps members once the ongoing negotiations on the new minimum wage are concluded.

Ahmed also emphasized the prohibition against posting camp activities on social media, noting that three corps members were recently expelled for violating this rule.

He disclosed these updates on Saturday while addressing 2,762 corps members of Batch B, Stream One, at the Ogun State NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu.

Ahmed congratulated the corps members for reaching the orientation camp, acknowledging that many of their peers were not as fortunate academically to be called for the service. He encouraged them to take the regimented training seriously, stating that although the training might be challenging, it is designed to enhance their leadership skills and make them more valuable to society.

“Let me remind you of the camp rules: you are not allowed to post camp activities online or on social media. Three of your colleagues elsewhere were found breaking these rules and have been decamped. Night journeys are also not allowed. Unnecessary journeys should be avoided because we have lost many corps members to such in the past. If you must travel, ensure you have permission and find a place to stay once it is 6 pm,” Ahmed stated.

Regarding the allowance, he reassured the corps members, “As soon as the ongoing negotiations on the minimum wage are concluded, your allowance will definitely increase. The government values you because you are truly special.”

Ahmed, impressed with the military skills displayed by the corps members during the parade, encouraged them to consider a career in the military. He also urged them to prioritize their security, despite the camp’s robust security measures, and to avoid putting themselves in dangerous situations.

Additionally, Ahmed advised the corps members to respect the culture of the communities where they will be posted for their primary assignments and to act as responsible ambassadors of the 51-year-old scheme.

In a gesture that was met with loud cheers, Ahmed donated four cows for the feeding of the corps members.

Welcoming the DG, the Ogun State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, reported that the camp, which opened on June 26, houses 2,762 corps members, including 922 males and 1,423 females.

Nasamu outlined measures taken to prevent a cholera outbreak in the camp, including the installation of handwashing stations and the use of sanitizers. She highlighted that corps members have actively participated in all camp programs, particularly the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program, aimed at equipping them with skills to become job creators.

Nasamu also mentioned the camp’s needs, including additional boreholes, water reservoirs, bunks, mattresses, a functional ambulance, and a proper food store.