Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed the immediate implementation of the enhanced state allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the State, ordering the removal of all administrative hurdles delaying the payments.
The governor issued the directive on Tuesday when he received the newly deployed Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Governor Otti expressed dissatisfaction that the allowance was yet to be implemented despite his earlier approval and the provision of funds for the programme, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The governor directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to urgently engage with the Head of Service to remove all administrative obstacles responsible for the delay.
“I am surprised that the extra allowance that I approved had not been implemented. I am surprised about that.
“Please, can you (Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development) ensure that whatever it is, it has to be dealt with immediately.
“Because the last time, I was told it’s about BVN, and I’m sure I tried to solve it. So if there is any other problem, please, can you get the Head of Service and solve it.
“I already have given the approval, and we have made provisions for it. So if it’s not been implemented, it’s of no use to us. It’s already provided.
“And so I’m surprised to hear that it hasn’t been done. I knew about the time when we argued about BVN, and I stepped in and resolved it. That was before you (new State Coordinator) came”, the governor said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of corps members posted to Abia, noting that many of them provide critical services in public schools and health facilities across the state.
According to Governor Otti, his administration recognises the contributions of the young graduates and remains determined to create an enabling environment for them during their service year.
“They are teaching in schools or in the hospitals and we believe that whatever we can do to make their stay comfortable, we will do.
“And that’s why we have intervened and we continue to intervene”, Governor Otti stated.
The governor who welcomed the new NYSC State coordinator to Abia, assured him of the support and hospitality of the state, stressing that his administration does not discriminate on the basis of state of origin.
He said every Nigerian resident contributing to the development of Abia is regarded as part of the state.
Earlier, the NYSC State coordinator, Mr YunusaTanimu said he visited the governor to formally introduce himself following his assumption of office as the new NYSC coordinator in the state and to strengthen existing collaboration between the scheme and the government.
Mr Tanimu who requested the full implementation of the approved corps members’ allowance, commended Governor Otti’s administration for the transformative projects and policies that have improved infrastructure, economic development and public welfare in the state.
He noted that the NYSC had been one of the beneficiaries of the government’s interventions and assured the governor that the NYSC would continue to partner with the state government in advancing development initiatives and promoting national integration through the service scheme.
“I am pleased place on record the fact that NYSC is a beneficiary of the people-oriented strides of the Abia State Government under your purposeful leadership.
“Today I stand here to once again express our profound gratitude for the following remarkable gestures: Comprehensive renovation of Corps members’ hostels and multi-purpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna;
“Construction of internal roads in the Camp; Provision of solar-powered street lights in the Camp; Approval of funds for the augmentation of Corps members’ feeding, fueling of power generators and other logistics for the conduct of Orientation Courses;
“Approval of enhanced allowance for Corps members serving in the state; and Provision of new office accommodation for the NYSC Secretariat in the state capital. In addition, we have been reliably informed that His Excellency has approved funds for the supply of furniture to the new office”, Mr Tanimu said.
