Gunmen have kidnapped a lecturer from Taraba State University and attacked a businessman along the Chinkai–Kente–Wukari road in Taraba State.

As the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, swore in a total of 1,033 corps members in Edo State, the agency has called for an improved welfare package for those serving in the state.

Ekwutosblog reports that Dr Frances Ben-Ushie, the state coordinator of the corps, made the appeal on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members.

The event was held at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, the administrative headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area.

Ben-Ushie noted that poor welfare packages had negatively affected corps members’ productivity and willingness to remain in the state.

She attributed the growing trend of mass relocations to the absence of adequate support, citing the non-payment of state allowances and inadequate feeding augmentation as key reasons many corps members redeployed to other states.

“Corps members have been making an impact in the areas of education, health and community development in the state.

“We appeal to Your Excellency to kindly intervene in addressing these challenges.

“Resolving these issues will greatly enhance the effectiveness of the orientation programme and other NYSC activities in Edo State for greater impact,” she said.

The NYSC coordinator also highlighted infrastructural and logistical challenges facing the scheme, including inadequate hostel accommodation for corps members and camp officials.

She commended the government for consistently providing transportation support to corps members at the end of orientation camps but decried the lack of a multipurpose hall, a poor learning environment for the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme, and encroachment due to the absence of proper demarcation of the camp premises.

Ben-Ushie added that the orientation course commenced on July 30 and, as of August 1, a total of 1,033 corps members had been duly registered, comprising 454 males and 579 females.

“Gentlemen corps members, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, one that will contribute to your growth as individuals and professionals.

“I urge you to embrace discipline, display a willingness to learn, and make the most of this unique opportunity,” she stated.

In his address, Governor Monday Okpebholo assured the corps members of the administration’s unwavering commitment to their welfare and security throughout the service year.

Okpebholo, represented by Mrs Anthonia Odia, Director of Administration at the State Ministry of Youth Development, emphasised his government’s investment in youth development.

“Edo remained a fertile ground for young people to explore opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and tourism.

“As 21st-century graduates, you have access to unparalleled opportunities in today’s interconnected global economy.

“The SAED programme is tailored to help you harness these opportunities.

“Your contributions to Edo State, whether in education, healthcare, agriculture, or community development, will have a lasting impact on our social and economic landscape,” he stated.

The governor urged the corps members to participate actively in the orientation course, embrace the diversity of the nation, and use the NYSC platform to build lasting friendships and networks, noting that the scheme remained a vital tool for national unity and youth empowerment.

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Friday swore in 1,200 corps members for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 orientation in Benue.

State Coordinator, Mrs Veronica Garba, gave the figure during the swearing-in at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

In her address, Garba urged the corps members to engage in all camp activities designed to develop their leadership potential and national consciousness.

She said they would face healthy competitions where they must demonstrate discipline, teamwork, and the spirit of sportsmanship throughout their stay in camp.

Garba added that corps members would also be involved in administrative operations to enhance their leadership and civic responsibilities.

She assured the corps members that the people and government of Benue were hospitable and urged them to feel at home.

Garba appreciated Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his unwavering support to the NYSC, especially in ensuring the safety of corps members.

She noted that the governor prioritised corps members’ security by facilitating deployments to their various places of primary assignment.

Governor Alia, represented by Mr Philip Nongu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Creativity, congratulated the corps members on completing their studies.

He expressed concern over national security challenges and noted that Benue was also affected by the situation.

In spite of this, he assured the corps members of their safety throughout their service year, owing to collaboration with security agencies.

He urged them to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme to gain relevant vocational skills.

According to him, the SAED programme would empower them to become self-reliant and adapt to the country’s current economic realities.

Earlier, the Benue Chief Judge, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, administered the oath of allegiance and advised the corps members to remain law-abiding.