Politics

Jigawa gov assures corps members of safety and welfare

The governor gave the assurance on Monday, during his official visit to the Batch C, Stream 1 corps members at the orientation camp, where he welcomed them to Jigawa State and encouraged them to make meaningful contributions to their host communities.

Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state of the government’s continued commitment to their safety, welfare, and general well-being, while highlighting improvement of facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Fanisau, Dutse.

Describing the NYSC scheme as an important institution for national unity and youth development, Namadi said it remains one of the most important national institutions established to promote national integration, mutual understanding, discipline, and patriotism among Nigerian youths.

He urged corps members to embrace the people, culture, and traditions of their host communities and use their service year to make a positive impact on society.

“Your service year should not be viewed merely as a requirement for obtaining your NYSC discharge certificate. Rather, it should be considered a life-changing opportunity to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the people you encounter,” the governor said.

Namadi noted that the state’s 12-Point Agenda prioritises education, healthcare, agriculture, and the digital economy, urging corps members posted to schools, health facilities, and other institutions across the 27 local government areas to discharge their responsibilities with dedication.

He also encouraged them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to explore agribusiness and other enterprise opportunities during and after their service years.

On the government’s interventions at the orientation camp, the governor listed the renovation of the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Multipurpose Hall and male and female hostels, as well as the provision of 500 mattresses, 200 blankets, and three large industrial cooking pots.

Other interventions include the installation of a 100 KVA generator, 10 solar-powered security lights, and the construction of a perimeter wall reinforced with barbed wire, particularly along the section adjoining the railway station.

He further disclosed that the government had commenced the construction of the perimeter fence in 2026 in response to the ongoing railway project by the federal government. He added that contracts had recently been awarded for the renovation of two-bedroom flats, classrooms, the pavilion, toilet facilities, and a six-bedroom Block D building for NYSC staff.

The governor assured the corps members and the state NYSC management that his administration would sustain its support for the scheme, particularly in providing the facilities and security required for a safe and comfortable service year.

As part of measures to ensure their smooth integration into their places of primary assignment, Namadi issued a directive to all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Government Councils across the state not to reject corps members posted to them.

“I hereby direct all Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and Local Government Councils across Jigawa State not to reject any Corps Member posted to them,” he said.

“I charge our traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community leaders to protect, mentor, and treat all Corps members in their domains as their sons and daughters,” the governor added.

Namadi urged the corps members to uphold discipline, integrity, humility, and patriotism throughout their service year, while avoiding social vices, cultism, and unauthorised travel.