The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Nafiu, has praised Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for increasing the monthly allowance of corps members serving in the state to ₦20,000.
Mr. Nafiu gave the commendation on Monday during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Enugu, where he led a delegation of senior NYSC officials.
He also thanked the governor for the ongoing reconstruction of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Awgu, describing the gesture as proof of the governor’s support and recognition of the scheme’s importance.
According to him, his visit to Enugu was to inspect the Awgu camp, review orientation activities, and assess the welfare and safety of corps members in the state. He noted that Enugu provides a conducive environment, which makes many corps members feel at home and even wish to remain after their service year.
Mr. Nafiu revealed that:11,116 Enugu indigenes (4,219 males and 6,797 females) are serving in different states across the country;5,636 corps members are currently serving within Enugu State.
He advised corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities, emphasizing that the NYSC scheme promotes discipline, unity, and cultural integration. He also disclosed that the service year of 131 corps members was extended due to misconduct and appealed for continued public support for the program.
In response, Governor Mbah reassured the NYSC DG of his administration’s commitment to completing the Awgu Orientation Camp reconstruction before the end of 2025.
“Awgu was Nigeria’s first orientation camp, established in 1973. It holds symbolic value for us because it was a centre for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation after the civil war. We want to preserve that history,” he said.
The governor described the NYSC as a vital platform that unites young Nigerians from different cultures and regions in service to the nation. He added that corps members are actively supporting the state in various sectors, including healthcare and education.
Governor Mbah also promised continued investment in corps members’ welfare, safety, and development.