Sokoto increases corps members’ allowances

•NYSC still relevant, Bello insists

Sokoto government has jacked up allowances of youth corps members serving in the state, with a pledge to begin immediate implementation of the new payment structure. Governor Aminu Tambuwal announced the new policy during the swearing- in ceremony of 2006 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the state NYSC orientation camp in Wamakko. He said the state government appreciates the services of corps members and government will continue to make their welfare a top priority.
Tambuwal said the new increase affects all categories of youth corps members, with those serving in medical line getting more funds than others. “Graduates of medicine will now be paid N50,000 monthly from the current amount of N36,000.

Pharmacists will now get N25,000, up from the N19,000 obtainable in the past, while graduates of laboratory science and other medical technicians like nurses are now entitled to monthly stipend of N15,000, up from the current N9,000 they are getting from the state government.
“In the same vein, graduates of social science and humanities will now be paid N5,000 monthly, from the previous N4,000 they received as state allawee (allowance).’’ While urging the corps members to reciprocate government’s gesture by being diligent in their areas of primary assignments, Tambuwal urged them to shun vices that would lead to breakdown of law and order and communal harmony. “I urge you to shun militancy, terrorism and cultism. I also invite you explore Sokoto and study its rich history, culture and people,” he added.
Meanwhile, Niger State governor, Abubakar Sani Bello said it is wrong to scrap the NYSC as being clamoured for in some quarters, saying its primary objective is very relevant in the nation.
The governor, who stated this at the formal opening ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘A’ (Stream II) orientation course and swearing-in ceremony of corps members deployed to the state, noted that NYSC remains an enduring vehicle for national unity and integration. Against this backdrop, he urged the federal government to re-invigorate the scheme instead of scrapping it, stressing, “In my opinion, the primary objective of the scheme is to develop common ties among Nigerian youths and to promote national unity and integration and I feel this is still very relevant.”
Bello, who noted the need to be more innovative by government in running the programme, said the scheme has not only helped in inculcating discipline, instilling the tradition of industry at work, patriotism and loyalty to the unity of the nation, it has also assisted the youths to acquire skills for self reliance that will further aid the economy. He then warned ministries, departments, public and private parastatals and agencies against rejecting corps members posted to them by the scheme.
Earlier, the NYSC Niger State coordinator, Mrs. Bolade Loto, stated that a total of 2,001 corps members were registered in the Stream B, who have exhibited high level of discipline, commitment and loyalty since their arrival to the camp.
She urged the state government not to relent in its efforts in providing facilities for ideal orientation camp and welfare of corps members in the state.