By James Sani
Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on Wednesday donated ₦20,000 each to 1,490 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state for their national service.
The donation amounting to ₦29.8 million, is to support them as they commence their primary assignments across the state.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for youth development and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
Governor Ododo made the commitment at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’, Stream II NYSC Orientation Course, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya, Kabba, Kogi State.
Represented at the ceremony by the Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Aridaojo Monday Anyebe, the governor said the cash donation was meant to assist the corps members transportation to their various places of primary assignments.
He also said the money was to enable them to solve their immediate needs.
Governor Ododo said his administration has unwavering confidence in the capacity of young people to excel and contribute positively to the implementation of youth-focused development programmes.
He urged the corps members to settle responsibly into their host communities and use the knowledge and skills acquired during their orientation to support community development.
According to him, his administration will continue to strengthen and add value to youth empowerment initiatives aimed at improving productivity, self-reliance and the overall development of young people in the state.
The Governor further charged the corps members to be agents of positive change in their respective communities.
He also encouraged them to share useful knowledge and skills with members of their host communities and contribute to initiatives that would improve the lives of the people.
The Governor congratulated the corps members on the successfully completion of their university education and urged them to uphold the values of discipline, integrity, patriotism and service throughout their service year.
Governor Ododo also assured the corps members of his administration’s commitment to their safety and welfare while serving in Kogi State.
He appealed to host communities to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive environment for the corps members throughout their stay.
Speaking at the event, the Kogi State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Chris Moneke Chika Tochi, said the corps members had undergone three weeks of intensive physical, mental and moral re-orientation designed to equip them with relevant information, knowledge and skills for a successful service year.
The NYSC coordinator expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for his consistent support for corps members deployed to Kogi State, particularly through donations of food items and financial assistance.
She described the latest intervention as timely and commended the Governor for demonstrating concern for the welfare of corps members serving in the state.
A total of 1,490 corps members were deployed to Kogi State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’, Stream II orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Asaya, Kabba.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
