The Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Ada Imoni, on Tuesday, appealed to the state government to resuscitate its payment of monthly stipends to corps members.
Our correspondent reports that previous administrations stopped the initial N1,000 monthly payment to corps members serving in the state.
Imoni made this plea in her address which heralded the end of orientation activities for 857 males and 586 females, totaling 1,443, at the temporary orientation camp at Amada Akko Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, for corps members to find solace in serving the state creditably, the suspended stipend should be reintroduced.
Imoni said, “At this juncture, may I appeal to His Excellency to resuscitate the payment of monthly stipend to corps members serving in the State, especially those in the rural areas. If implemented, it will serve as a morale booster and will also spur them to give their best to the development of the state. Thanking you in anticipation, your Excellency.”
Speaking further, Imoni urged the 1,443 corps members to conform to the norms of their host communities, stressing that it would spur healthy ties.
“It is pertinent, I remind corps members of the ideals of the scheme instilled in them in the course of this orientation course. As you proceed to your places of primary assignment, you must respect the culture, traditions and norms of your host communities. Remember, respect begets respect. It is, therefore, necessary for you to learn to mingle with them for the next year,” Imoni added.
On his part, the state governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, commended the contributions of corps members to the development of the state.
Represented by his Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Abubakar Musa, the governor said, “You are to integrate into your host communities by learning about their culture, language and norms. We are receptive to visitors and will love to have you as part of the addition to our communities. The one-year sojourn in Gombe state will afford you the opportunity to devote time to the felt needs of especially the rural dwellers as we tap from your experience. talents, skills and ingenuity for the good of the state.”
While urging them to strive to be a good example to youths in the state, Yahaya warned against social vices such as drug abuse, cybercrime, advance fee fraud and hate speech among others.
“Our young ones look up to you for guidance. Use the training received in the course of this orientation course to make a positive impact in their lives.
“My administration is passionate about education. With the help of corps members who have been a major part of our workforce in schools within and outside the state metropolis, our young ones have been competing favourably with their counterparts in the North-East,” the governor added.
Punch
