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Tag: Bago

  • Resume work or face contract termination, FG warns Niger state road contractors

    Resume work or face contract termination, FG warns Niger state road contractors

    The federal government has directed contractors handling ten ongoing federal road projects in Niger State to return to their sites immediately or risk contract termination.

    The decision followed concerns over delays and substandard work despite receiving advance payments.

    The directive was issued during a high-level meeting convened by the Minister of Works, David Umahi which was held on November 15, 2024, in Minna, Niger State with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, Minister of State for Works Bello Muhammad Goronyo, members of the National Assembly, representatives of the contractors and other key stakeholders in attendance.

    Expressing dissatisfaction, Umahi criticized the contractors for failing to deliver on their obligations, which he lamented has caused hardship for road users and hindered the state’s development.

    While he emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration prioritizes speed, quality, and value for money, the Minister warned that there would be consequences for contractors who would collect money for projects and would delay or do sub-standard jobs or lack in capacity to deliver the projects in line with the policy direction of the administration which emphasizes speed, quality, and value for money.

    Governor Bago lamented that contractor delays have worsened Niger State’s socio-economic and security challenges.

    He specifically called for the revocation of Salini Nigeria Ltd.’s contracts, which have been pending since 2010, citing poor capacity. 

    According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Uchenna Orji on Saturday, in the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the stakeholders resolved, among others that the contracts handled by Salini Nig. Ltd were deemed substandard, leading to a decision to terminate and re-award them through due process. 

    CGC Nig. Ltd was directed to prioritize work on critical stretches like Agaie-Bida and Mokwa-Makera roads, with funding assistance promised.

    They were also advised to repair areas of the Bida-Lapai-Lambata Road that were showing defects despite being praised for community contributions. 

    Gilmor Engineering Nig. Ltd was warned against project delays attributed to security concerns and instructed to collaborate with the state government for assistance.

    GR Building and Construction Nig. Ltd was commended for its progress on the Agaje-Katcha-Baro Road, with assured funding earmarked in the 2025 budget to expedite the project.

    Develeco Nig. Ltd’s contract was adjusted as the Niger State government took over a 20km stretch. 

    Gerawa Global Engineering Ltd was commended but urged to deploy additional resources for faster progress.

    A feedback mechanism was initiated, with a review meeting scheduled for January 2025 to assess contractors’ performance.

  • Bago suspends IBBUL VC

    Bago suspends IBBUL VC

    The Vice Chancellor of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University (IBBU) Lapai, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu has been sent on compulsory leave by Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.

    The compulsory leave is coming two months  ago before the end of his tenure in the institution. 

    It was gathered the Governor directed the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Abdullahi Adamu Mamagi, to issue the letter to the Vice Chancellor threatening to sack the Commissioner if he fails to carry out the directive.

    Read Also: Bago salutes Gowon at 90

    Details regarding the reason for the suspension and compulsory leave are unknown as staff in the ministry keep mum over the issue.

    However, some university sources confirmed the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration, Hassan Ibrahim has been appointed as the Acting Vice Chancellor and has taken over.

    Some of the sources stated that the reason for his suspension may not be unrelated to his alleged disobedience and disregard for directives of the State Government.

  • Gov. Bago announces N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants

    Gov. Bago announces N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants

    Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has announced N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants effective from November.

    Bago disclosed this shortly after meeting with the organised labour in the state at the Government House, Minna on Friday.

    He said the payment would be for both the state and the local government workers effective from November.

    Bago said the committee on the minimum wage would work on the consequential adjustments.

    He said that the N80,000 was sustainable, especially with the state’s strides in agriculture.

    The governor advised civil servants to embrace agriculture, adding that civil service farms would be created to make them productive.

    Read Also: Bago salutes Gowon at 90

    Mr Idrees Lafene, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended the governor for approving N80,000 as minimum wage.

    He said such move was a step forward, adding that the union look forward to an improved offer.

    He, however, appreciated the governor for going beyond the union’s expectation, saying that the union had tabled between N70,000, N75,000 and N80,000 as minimum wage for the state.

    (NAN)

  • Bago’s commitment to pensioners, source of hope for Niger workers

    Bago’s commitment to pensioners, source of hope for Niger workers

    • Aisha Wakaso

    The issue of unpaid pensions and gratuities has long plagued Niger State, casting a pall over the lives of retired civil personnel who spent their working years serving their country. The current administration inherited a recurrent problem with a backlog of billions of naira. Under the previous administration, retirees routinely blocked the gate to the government residence, preventing vehicular traffic in or out, demanding their rightful benefits, a protest that repeatedly went unheard. When Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago took office, he encountered the same protests. However, his response was a substantial deviation from the norm.

    In their first protest under his administration, he quickly sent a truckload of rice to the pensioners and made a genuine promise that they would not suffer again under his watch. Governor Bago‘s compassionate attitude demonstrates his appreciation for the crucial role civil servants have played in the development of Niger State. He has stated unequivocally that he will not tolerate anyone who has served the state living in poverty. In a bold remark, he proclaimed his willingness to borrow funds or even suspend the salaries of all political appointees to ensure that pensioners, some of whom have been unpaid for over twelve years, receive their dues.

    Governor Bago is genuinely moved by seeing retirees struggle, and he nearly burst into tears during a recent executive council meeting. This commitment was recently put into action. Governor Bago announced the approval and release of 25 billion naira to begin payment of pensions in stages. This decision is more than just financial; it is a moral duty and a big step toward returning dignity to individuals who have given so much to the state.

    Read Also: Bago: Legacy of the farmer governor

    The contrast with the last administration could not be sharper. For years, retirees were obliged to lay down their mats before the government house entrance, swearing not to leave until their basic need for payment was satisfied. Their cries were dismissed, leaving many who had faithfully served the state feeling forlorn and frustrated. Governor Bago’s approach heralds a new era of leadership in Niger State, one that prioritizes the well-being of its people, particularly the most vulnerable. By resolving this long-standing issue, he not only meets a key financial responsibility, but he also restores trust in the government and its ability to care for its people. Governor Bago agreed that it is a great load, but he is determined to shoulder it. His acts demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and compassion, setting a new standard for administration in Niger State.

    The Pensioners, who had previously been left to fend for themselves, now have a champion in Governor Bago—a leader who understands that a state’s greatness is measured not only by its infrastructure and economics but also by how it treats those who spend their lives to its service. Finally, Governor Bago’s resolve to settle Niger State’s pension crisis is a sign of hope. It demonstrates the power of empathic and decisive leadership, as well as a reminder that true growth is dependent on the dignity and well-being of all citizens. Under his leadership, Niger State is on track for a brighter future, with civil servants’ contributions appreciated and their well-being safeguarded.

    • Aisha Wakaso is the Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor on Print Media.
  • Bago leading Niger to the Promised Land – MBYC

    Bago leading Niger to the Promised Land – MBYC

    The Middle Belt Youth Council (MBYC) has applauded Niger Governor Mohammed Bago for what it described as his dedication to transforming the State and improving the lives of its citizens.

    In a statement by its President, Comrade Danladi Lami, the group said Bago’s leadership has been a breath of fresh air, acknowledging the positive impact of his policies and programs on the state.

    Lami said the Governor has made significant strides in urban renewal, agriculture, education, security, transportation, and communication.

    He noted that the expansion of major cities, provision of social amenities, and rural transformation programs demonstrate Governor Bago’s inclusive approach to development.

    “The acquisition of over 1,000 tractors to boost mechanized farming and enhance food production is a laudable initiative. This move is expected to revolutionize agriculture in the state, creating jobs and increasing food production,” he said. 

    “The procurement of security vehicles and investment in education infrastructure also showcase his administration’s resolve to address critical sectors.

    “Governor Bago’s leadership has restored sanity to the state, evident in the clearance of debts owed to utility companies, payment of outstanding debts to examination bodies, and the establishment of a university of education.

    “His community approach to security has also yielded positive results, with a significant reduction in crime and criminality in the state.

    “The renovation of the Minna Airport renamed the Bola Ahmad Tinubu International Airport, is another testament to Governor Bago’s commitment to infrastructure development.

    “Additionally, the distribution of 20 operational vehicles to security agencies has enhanced their capacity to combat crime and maintain public safety,” he said 

    Lami added Bago’s financial discipline has saved the State N10 billion in just four months, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

    Read Also: Governor Bago redeems pledge to NYSC

    He further said: “The enforcement of the 2022 Revenue Law, freezing the state’s account to create a single dashboard for the state’s finances, is a laudable move.

    “The automation of salary and pension payments has also ensured prompt payment of workers’ entitlements. We applaud Governor Bago’s efforts to empower media outlets, ensuring transparent communication with the public.

    “The upgrade of Radio Niger, NSTV, and the Newsline newspapers will enhance public awareness and engagement with the government’s programs and policies.”

    The group urged Governor Bago to continue his excellent work while calling on counterparts from the zone to emulate him.

  • Bago’s windfall

    Bago’s windfall

    Corps members posted to Niger State are in for a rewarding experience with N200,00 bonus each offered them by the governor.

    Batch B, Stream 1 corps members posted to Niger State who reported for orientation on July 2 have every cause to be happy. This is because the state governor, Mohammed Bago, has showered each of them with a N200,000 bonus.

    He also promised to provide water and toilet facilities in the temporary NYSC Camp in the state adding that he would kick-start the building of a new NYSC Camp with N5 billion.

    “I have given orders to build more toilets, drill five boreholes in this temporary camp. I will donate 20 cows and one trailer load of rice for the welfare of the corps members in camp”, the governor announced.

    Despite the present state of the Naira, N200,000 bonus is a windfall in the hands of youths, some of whom may never have received the alert of such an amount in their personal accounts before.

    “I was told there are 1,600 corps members in this batch. I am crediting each of your accounts with N200,000. This will enable you get comfortable to stay in Niger State. This is to show you that there is prosperity in Niger State. I will do my best to ensure that corps members enjoy serving here”, the governor said.

    Expectedly, the announcement was greeted with loud cheers by the corps members. Two hundred thousand naira will cover the N33,000 that the Federal Government pays them monthly for a whole six months! So, who is paying the corps members?

    Bago said the money was to encourage any of the corps members willing to stay back in the state after the compulsory one year national service. Who knows?He might have succeeded in winning some converts. This is not only because of the money but also because of other goodies that came in his package.

    The governor said any corps member who ventures into agriculture in the state can earn as much as N500,000 monthly. He also announced automatic employment for corps members in the medical and health field.

    Of course, some other state governments might have done greater or similar things for individual corps members in the past. I commend such state governments even as I urge them not to rest on their oars. I also urge those that are yet to put smiles on the faces of corps members that are unlucky to be posted to their states to have a change of heart.

    The truth of the matter is that some state governments, just like some establishments, don’t have any regard for corps members. They see them at

    best as persona non grata who imposed themselves on the states or establishments, and treat them as such. Even if they must reject them, they should do so courteously.

    I have had cause to call for the cancellation of the scheme because of the terrible experiences that some corps members underwent in some states, especially as regards insecurity. The fact is; I easily get emotional when lives are lost. I become the more so when many of us tend to see the deaths as mere statistics. It becomes particularly touching for me when such casualties are corps members serving their fatherland in places that are far from their own, without adequate preparation for them by governments at all levels. Like asking them to go participate in elections in places where they do not know how to escape in times of trouble, knowing full well that elections are do-or-die battles in this part of the world.

    Granted that death can come wherever, whenever. But when it is avoidable, it becomes the more painful to me. It is parents who lose their children in the course of such experiences that can better describe their situation.

    Even the Federal Government that set up the scheme is not doing much by way of encouragement, to make the service year memorable. Take for instance the N33,000 that it is paying the corps members per month. How does anyone live on that in our economy? And to think that that is the only money that it owes them monthly apart from the bicycle allowance of N6,400 and another pittance at the end of the service that it pays one-off!

    If the Federal Government itself treats the corps members with such disdain, how does it get better deal for them from their places of primary assignment? When the owner of a dress tramples on it; it is telling other persons that they can tear such dress without compunction. Yoruba people say you don’t sell your people cheap and expect others to buy them at reasonable price.

    Without doubt, the Yakubu Gowon administration that founded the NYSC in 1973 had very good intentions. The main aim was to unite Nigerians who were just coming out from a two-and-a half-year bitter civil war (July 6, 1967- January 15, 1970). So, there was need to bring together the various ethnic groups again. Corps members are supposed to be posted to places other than their own to enable them live with other Nigerians and, in the process, get to understand them better. If, again, as the Yoruba people say, we don’t return from court and remain the best of friends, we can imagine how much efforts we need to put into making people just emerging from our kind of fatricidal war friends, once again.

    Read Also: Blackout in southeast as national grid collapses again

    But the Gowon administration put resources to work for the corps members, to enable them enjoy the national service. Of course we can say there was so much money then. So, corps members were also pampered.

    But attention on the youth corps members is now dwindling. Otherwise, how do some government officials feel comfortable that children of fellow Nigerians can survive on N33,000? We keep hearing that the money would be reviewed upwards. When will that be? Can our public officials say the N33,000 is all their own children get while going on national service? If this is not so, how do they expect other children to survive on this meagre allowance? I know how much I spent to transport my daughter posted to Cross River State last year. The so-called bicycle allowance could not have ‘bicycled’ her to anywhere. In other words, it is parents that are subsidising the corps members. And this after going through hell to see them through tertiary education. Yet, it is government that sends them on national service. How do we reconcile that?

    The load on the poor is too much. Someone needs to lighten it. Unfortunately, people hardly remember this aspect while listing the woes of the poor in Nigeria. If government pays someone who has finished tertiary education N33,000 monthly in this economy and posts that person to far-flung places, how does it expect them to cope, without the males joining bad gangs and the females turning to prostitution to survive, if there is no parental support?

    I know the argument would now be that there are some bureaucratic bottlenecks delaying the upward review. Or there is no money. With due respect; this is unfair. No bureaucracy should delay such reviews because our leaders don’t allow such delays in the path of their own comfort. Youth corps members who began the service year as relative saints shouldn’t be allowed to become something else in the course of the service due to government’s uncaring attitude to their welfare. When that happens, it is the parents that suffer the consequences because it is the same government that would hold the corps members responsible for crimes they never knew until they began youth service.

    There is no doubt that the allure of national service is gone. And I don’t know if it can ever be retrieved. I know the way we looked forward to the service year when we graduated in the mid-1980s. We met the remnant of the enjoyment in the country, and, by extension, that of the national service, we never experienced a quarter of the challenges that youth corps members go through today. I remember as a youth corps member I was among the elite class that the vendor would reserve a copy of ‘Newswatch’ magazine for in the entire Yola town then.

    I remember too that myself and another youth corps member who was among five of us sharing a five-bedroom flat provided by the state government would jointly buy a carton of Peak Milk, and share into two. How many corps members can buy a dozen tins of milk today?

    I served in the then Gongola State at a time Maitatsine was causing havoc in tbe state and some parts of the north, but my parents didn’t bother because it wasn’t as serious and pervasive as today’s Boko Haram and banditry ravaging several parts of the north.

    It is against this background that gestures like those of Governor Bago become commendable. They bring back fond memories of those things that made graduates look forward with excitement to the national service.

    Well, some people may wonder how well Governor Bago treats the state’s civil servants if he is ready to pamper youth corps members as he has promised. Some even say he is not a particularly nice man, citing as recent example his alleged order to his security details to assault an Islamic cleric at a public function.

    The governor has to compliment his gestures to the corps members with an equally robust relations with the civil servants for industrial harmony in the state. Otherwise, the regular workforce would see the corps members as rivals and this would not augur well for the state. It would also send a signal to the corps members who intend to stay behind that the present princely treatment is not likely to continue when they join the civil service.

    Several states in the north used to retain some specialists like doctors, nurses, even good teachers after youth service, in line with their needs. If this is the governor’s intention, fine. But he must be seen to be good to those in service now to make the carrot he is dangling before youth corps members who intend to stay behind after the national service truly alluring.

    He also needs to work on his human relations. He needs to be careful about the uses to which he deploys his powers because power is transient.

    Still, it is kudos to him for the ‘naira rain’ he is showering on the corps members in his state.

  • Governor Bago redeems pledge to NYSC

    Governor Bago redeems pledge to NYSC

    Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has redeemed his pledge of giving the state National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) a truckload of rice and 20 cows for the Corps members who are currently at the orientation camp in Paikoro.

    The governor has also begun the payment of the N200,000 stipends to the Corp members as he promised on Tuesday, July 2.

    Bago, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch B, Stream one orientation course, announced that he would donate a trailer load of rice, and 20 cows and give each Corp member N200,000 as a bonus to make their stay comfortable in the state.

    Read Also: Bago lifts youth corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    The Niger state NYSC coordinator, Olayinka Abdulwahab confirmed the receipt of 600 bags of rice which was contained in the trailer sent by the Governor, and 20 cows at the orientation camp.

    “The process for the payment of the N200.000 was ongoing, while the survey for the five boreholes and the toilets announced by the governor has commenced”, she disclosed on Thursday.

    The coordinator said that the food items were received with great joy and jubilation elation by both corps members and camp officials adding that it will go a long way to mitigate the challenges faced by the corps members during the orientation course.

  • Niger generated N3.5b IGR in May – Bago

    Niger generated N3.5b IGR in May – Bago

    Gov. Mohammed Bago of Niger says the state recorded N3.5 billion internally- generated revenue (IGR) in May.

    Bago stated this on Wednesday in Suleja, Niger, at the 155th meeting of Joint Task Board (JTB), with the theme: “Post Reform: Repositioning Revenue Authorities for Effective and Efficient Tax Administration.“

    He said that his administration remained committed to fostering collaboration with JTB on exchange of ideas and competences.

    According to him, through strategic reforms and innovative approaches, the state has witnessed a steady growth in its IGR.

    “Between January and May this year, we collected an average of N2.621 billion monthly, as against an average of N1.806 billion monthly the previous year.

    “In the month of May alone, we generated N3.508 billion, representing an increase of 45 per cent.

    “This growth has not only enabled us to expand infrastructure projects but also, to enhance social service delivery across various sectors, thereby improving the quality of life for our citizens,’’ he said.

    The governor said that the administration had prioritised transparency, efficiency and taxpayer education in the state.

    He said that the state had also made it easier by simplifying processes and leveraging technology for taxpayers to comply, while reducing opportunities for evasion.

    “This has resulted in improved compliance rates and enhanced revenue collection.

    “We understand the importance of synergy in achieving our collective goals of improved tax administration and revenue optimisation.

    Read Also: Bago lifts youth corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    “Together, we can explore innovative strategies, share best practices and address challenges that hinder our progress,’’ he said.

    Bago urged all the stakeholders to be committed with optimism, determination and confidence to reposition the revenue authorities for future of prosperity and progress.

    Chairman of JTB, Dr Zacch Adedeji, commended the governor for ensuring that the state IRS was professionalised while, at the same time, safeguarding its autonomy.

    “Coming off the last seven months of 2023, a rejuvenated approach to revenue generation saw the state ending the year on a solid note with total annual IGR performance crossing the N20 billion mark for the first time in its history.

    “At N21.67 billion, collections achieved over 28 per cent growth over the total annual collection of N16.93 billion posted in 2022.

    “Notably, the percentage growth rate was significantly higher than the cumulative sub-national growth rate of 23.17 per cent.

    “The momentum was unrelenting, going into the new year with the N7.03 billion collected in the first quarter of 2024, as against the N6.18 billion in first quarter of 2023.

    “We are proud of what the state is achieving under your watch, and we are confident that with diligent implementation of the innovation and relentless drive, a monthly IGR of N5 billion is realisable.

    “We are committed to this at the JTB, and our presence here today is an ample testimony of our support,’’ he said.

    Adedeji said that JTB was charged with the mandate of promoting and ensuring uniformity, harmony and efficiency in personal income tax administration, while providing advice on general tax matters to all tiers of government.

    According to him, the stakeholders` meeting provides an avenue to engage and brainstorm on contemporary and emerging issues in taxation at the domestic, regional and global levels.

    “It is necessary to strengthen the fabric of our IGR capacity to ensure that the revenue administration processes, especially at the sub-national level, become as efficient as possible.

    “This is to optimise the collection of IGR for socio-economic and human development,’’ he said.

    He thanked the stakeholders for making tax issues a matter of priority and for putting tax revenue into excellent use.

    (NAN)

  • Bago lifts youth corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    Bago lifts youth corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    • Governor woos youths to join agricultural initiatives

    Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago yesterday showered N200,000 largesse on each of the Batch B, Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state.

    The governor announced the donation during the NYSC Batch B, Stream 1 orientation at the temporary camp in Paikoro. The announcement was greeted with loud cheers and applause from the Corps members.

    According to Bago, the money is to encourage the 1,600 Corps members stay back and serve in the state. The governor said any corps member who ventures into agriculture can earn N500,000 monthly. He then announced N5 billion to kick start building of the new NYSC camp.

    He said: “I was told there are 1,600 Corp members in this batch. I am crediting each of your accounts with N200,000. This will enable you get comfortable to stay in Niger State. This is to show you that there is prosperity in Niger State. I will do my best to ensure that corps members enjoy serving here.

    “I have given orders to build more toilets, drill five boreholes in this temporary camp. I will donate 20 cows and one trailer load of rice for the welfare of the corps members in camp.”

    Governor Bago also announced automatic employment for Corp members in the medical and health field, and urged others to unite in improving the agricultural sector.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim, said the Federal Government intends to empower 5,000 corps members with up to N10 million each for entrepreneurial ventures after their service year. She added that the government is also launching the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to train over one million young Nigerians across diverse fields such as technology, agriculture, and other sectors.

    “Your service to our country is invaluable, and it is my hope that you will use this year to lay a strong foundation for your future and to develop a well-rounded skill set. Approach this experience with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

    “These initiatives offer a remarkable opportunity to enhance your employability and prepare for a successful career, aligning your aspirations with the evolving demands of the job market. As you navigate through your service year, we encourage you to seize these opportunities with both hands. The world around us is evolving fast, and the skills you acquire now will enhance your employability and position you to be leaders and innovators in our society,” she said.

     Fintiri pledges to sustain N10,000 monthly allowance

    Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri pledged to sustain the N10,000 monthly allowance to corps members. He also promised to introduce N20,000 payment after each service year, to corps members who served as teachers.

    Fintiri, at the Damare Orientation Camp in Girei Local Government Area, described the orientation exercise as ‘a golden opportunity’, and urged corps members to make full use of it.

    State Coordinator Mohammed Ahmad urged the corps members to take all the camp activities seriously for a successful service year.

    Ahmad said the corps members would be planting about 15,000 trees before the end of the rainy season, as part of the NYSC’s contribution to addressing global warming.

    Aiyedatiwa promises to upgrade Ondo camp

    Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State promised to upgrade the permanent orientation camp in Ikare-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area.

    He also announced the return of grants and stipends for corps members which, according to the state coordinator, has eluded the Corps members over the years.

    Aiyedatiwa emphasised that his administration would continue to key into the main objective of the scheme, which is to promote unity. He also promised to prioritise the welfare and security of corps members.

    Mutfwang to corps members: build bridges across tribes, religion

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang urged the corps members to build bridge for national integration and development.

    Mutfwang urged the corps members to promote and champion peaceful coexistence wherever they are deployed for their primary assignments.

    The governor, represented by Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Bashir Datti, cautioned the corps members against fake news and rumour mongering, noting that such only promotes crises for selfish interests.

    ‘Pursue self-sufficiency, financial independence’

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Olugbenga Oyerinde, urged corps members to focus on trainings and programmes that will help them become self-sufficient and financially-independent during and beyond their service year.

    Read Also: Obasanjo parleys Southeast Govs on Nnamdi Kanu

    He said: “This three-week orientation programmes and the regimented life in camp are specifically designed for you to imbibe core values, which will be of great benefit to you beyond the service year.

    “You will find various mentorship and entrepreneurial programmes and activities under the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (SAED), make maximum use of the opportunity.”

    State Coordinator Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa noted that nation-building was long and continuous, ‘hence the need to expose youths to layers of patriotism’.

    Mrs. Baderinwa hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing a 32-seater Hyundai bus for the scheme.

    Cholera: Oyo promises  safety

    Oyo State Coordinator Abel Odoba assured parents and guardians of the safety of corps members against cholera.

    Odoba noted that the NYSC authority had provided sanitary guidelines that must be followed in camps to curb cholera outbreak. He added that camp premises had been properly fumigated before the arrivals of the corps members.

    “We are providing hand sanitizers and also ensuring regular water for proper hygiene in the toilets,” he said.

    Oborevwori pledges to strengthen scheme in Delta

    Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, promised to strengthen the scheme.

    According to the governor, NYSC has become an enduring vehicle for mobilisation and sensitisation of youths on nation-building.

    State Coordinator Olusegun Alao urged corps members to make the orientation course a memorable one. He appealed to the government to expedite action in fulfilling its promise of providing a new 150KVA diesel generator and perimeter fencing of the orientation camp.

    Otti orders rehabilitation of camp facilities

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti directed the immediate rehabilitation of the Orientation Camp at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

    Otti, represented by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, praised the NYSC management for working to making the scheme more relevant and attractive to youths.

    He urged corps members to pay attention to the skills acquisition and entrepreneurial programme that would be introduced to them during the programme.

    Soludo: embrace ‘Buy Nigeria Products’ campaign

    Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State encouraged corps members to embrace buy-Nigeria products campaign of his administration to grow the local enterprise and domestic economy.

    Soludo, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development, Martin Agbili, said the vision of his government is to make the state a livable and prosperous homeland.

    He also urged them to key into the various empowerment programmes of his administration, including the Solution Innovation District through which about 20,000 youths have been empowered.

  • Bago fetes Niger corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    Bago fetes Niger corps members with N200,000 bonuses

    …woos corps members to join agricultural initiatives

    Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Tuesday, July 2, showered N200,000 largess on each of the Batch B, Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to serve.

    He said the largess was to encourage the 1,600 corps members to remain and serve in the state.

    The announcement of the bonus was greeted with loud cheers and applause by the corps members.

    The governor, who stated this during the NYSC Batch B, Stream 1 orientation ceremony held at the temporary camp in Paikoro, said that any corps member who ventures into agriculture can earn N500,000 monthly and announced N5 billion for the start-up of the new NYSC camp.

    He said: “I was told that there are 1,600 Corp members for this batch. I am crediting each of your accounts with N200,000. This will enable you to be comfortable to stay in Niger State. This is to show you that there is prosperity in Niger State. I will do my best to ensure that Corpers enjoy serving in Niger state.

    Read Also: Insecurity will not stop investors from investing in Niger state – Bago

    “I have given orders to build more toilets and drill five boreholes in this temporary camp. I will 20 cows and one trailer load of rice for the welfare of the Corpers in camp.”

    The governor also announced automatic employment for corps members who are in the medical and health field urging others to join in improving the agricultural sector in the state.

    Bago stated that the state government invested a lot of money in mechanization adding that all is being done to drive the passion of the youths towards agriculture.

    The Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio Ibrahim disclosed that the federal government intend to empower 5,000 NYSC members with up to N10 million each for entrepreneurial ventures upon completion of their service adding that the federal government is also launching the National Youth Skills Program (NYSP) to train over one million young Nigerians across diverse fields such as technology, agriculture, and other sectors.

    “Your service to our nation is invaluable, and it is my sincere hope that you will use this year to lay a strong foundation for your future and to develop a well-rounded skill set. Approach this experience with enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

    “These initiatives offer a remarkable opportunity to enhance your employability and prepare for a successful career, aligning your aspirations with the evolving demands of the job market. As you navigate through your service year, we encourage you to seize these opportunities with both hands. The world around us is evolving fast, and the skills you acquire now will enhance your employability and position you to be leaders and innovators in our society”, she stated.

    The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps applauded the largess given by the state governor to the Corp members saying that it would encourage them to put in their best in serving the state.

    He called on other Governors to emulate the step taken by the Niger state Governor while assuring the Corp members of their safety and security as they serve across the state.