Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Tuesday, July 2, showered N200,000 largess on each of the Batch B, Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to serve.
He said the largess was to encourage the 1,600 corps members to remain and serve in the state.
The announcement of the bonus was greeted with loud cheers and applause by the corps members.
The governor, who stated this during the NYSC Batch B, Stream 1 orientation ceremony held at the temporary camp in Paikoro, said that any corps member who ventures into agriculture can earn N500,000 monthly and announced N5 billion for the start-up of the new NYSC camp.
He said: “I was told that there are 1,600 Corp members for this batch. I am crediting each of your accounts with N200,000. 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 Corpers enjoy serving in Niger state.
“I have given orders to build more toilets and drill five boreholes in this temporary camp. I will 20 cows and one trailer load of rice for the welfare of the Corpers in camp.”
The governor also announced automatic employment for corps members who are in the medical and health field urging others to join in improving the agricultural sector in the state.
Bago stated that the state government invested a lot of money in mechanization adding that all is being done to drive the passion of the youths towards agriculture.
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim disclosed that the federal government intend to empower 5,000 NYSC members with up to N10 million each for entrepreneurial ventures upon completion of their service adding that the federal government is also launching the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to train over one million young Nigerians across diverse fields such as technology, agriculture, and other sectors.
“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 to develop a well-rounded skill set. Approach this experience with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
“These initiatives offer a remarkable opportunity to enhance your employability and prepare for a successful career, aligning your aspirations with the evolving demands of the job market. As you navigate through your service year, we encourage you to seize these opportunities with both hands. The world around us is evolving fast, and the skills you acquire now will enhance your employability and position you to be leaders and innovators in our society”, she stated.
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps applauded the largess given by the state governor to the Corp members saying that it would encourage them to put in their best in serving the state.
He called on other Governors to emulate the step taken by the Niger state Governor while assuring the Corp members of their safety and security as they serve across the state.