|By Adejumo Adekunle-
-NYSC Laments Mass Exodus of Corps Members from Edo State
–Coordinator Urges Governor Okpebholo to Address Infrastructure, Welfare Challenges
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has raised alarm over the increasing number of corps members relocating from Edo State to other parts of Nigeria, citing poor welfare and inadequate infrastructure as key reasons.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members over the weekend, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Frances Ben-Ushie, expressed deep concerns about the trend, warning that it could undermine the impact of the scheme in the state.
Ben-Ushie blamed the massive relocation on the lack of feeding augmentation during orientation camps and the non-payment of State allowances to serving corps members. She called on Governor Monday Okpebholo to urgently intervene and resolve the challenges.
“Resolving these issues will not only enhance the effectiveness of the orientation programme but will also boost the overall success of NYSC activities in Edo State,” Ben-Ushie said.
She also highlighted other pressing problems, including the absence of annual State subvention, inadequate hostel accommodation, and poor infrastructure at the permanent orientation camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area.
According to her, corps members and camp officials struggle with accommodation, while poor electricity and water supply have skyrocketed operational costs.
Ben-Ushie further appealed for the construction of a multipurpose hall, provision of operational vehicles for monitoring corps members, and the completion of the main access gate at the camp. She decried the encroachment on camp land due to the lack of proper demarcation and documentation.
“With increasing numbers of participants each year, expanded accommodation is urgently needed to ensure comfort and safety.
We also need better workshops, laboratories, and facilities to enhance our skills acquisition and entrepreneurship programmes,” she added.
Despite the challenges, Ben-Ushie commended the state government for providing buses to transport corps members to their places of primary assignment.
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by Mrs. Aiyegbeni Balogun, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, urged the new corps members to explore the abundant opportunities in Edo State, including agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
Okpebholo assured the corps members of their welfare, security, and support, promising a conducive environment that would allow them to thrive and leave a lasting legacy in the state.
“Your contributions will have a lasting impact on our social and economic landscape. This is your chance not only to give back to society but to inspire others,” he said.
