The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Tag: Corps Members

  • FG Approves Increase In NYSC Corps Members’ Feeding Budget

    FG Approves Increase In NYSC Corps Members’ Feeding Budget

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has approved an increase in the feeding allocation for members of the National Youth Service Corps during their orientation course, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.

    The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while interacting with members of the 2026 Batch C Stream One at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.

    Nafiu said the Budget Office had been notified of the upward review, adding that the new allocation was expected to take effect next year.

    He also urged corps members to manage their finances responsibly, avoid unnecessary spending and develop a habit of saving.

    The NYSC chief commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and commitment to the national service programme.

    On safety, Nafiu advised corps members to avoid travelling after 6pm, recommending that those who cannot complete their journeys before then should find a safe place to stay overnight and continue the following day.

    He warned them against sleeping in public places or gathering at filling stations, noting that such practices could expose them to security risks.

    The director-general advised corps members facing security concerns while travelling to seek assistance at military installations, police stations or Department of State Services offices and contact the NYSC hotline.

    Nafiu also pledged to intensify engagement with relevant stakeholders to improve infrastructure at the Obubra Orientation Camp.

    He encouraged corps members to acquire practical skills that could improve their employment prospects and provide opportunities for self-employment after completing their service.

    He specifically mentioned cosmetology, traditional hairstyling and other vocational skills as areas they could explore.

    Earlier, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the director-general’s visit as evidence of the scheme’s commitment to the welfare of corps members.

    Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had registered at the camp, adding that they had adapted successfully to the structured orientation programme.

  • 20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    20 Prospective NYSC Members Regain Freedom After Seven Days in Captivity

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted while travelling from Oyo State to their orientation camp in Abia State have regained their freedom.

    The graduates were kidnapped on October 1 along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Umunoha, Imo State, and were rescued seven days later following a coordinated operation by security agencies.

    The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying the victims were rescued at about 4:28pm at Amakohia Ubi Village in Imo State.

    Iniedu said the rescued graduates had been taken for medical examinations and would receive necessary medical attention as part of the post-rescue process.

    The operation reportedly involved the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services and other security agencies.

    However, the authorities did not disclose details of the operation or announce any arrest, while the suspected abductors were said to remain at large.

    Iniedu said security agencies had intensified efforts to track down those responsible for the abduction and bring them to justice.

    The police spokesperson also thanked members of the public for their cooperation and assured Nigerians of the force’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, also confirmed the release of the victims, saying Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, informed him of the development during a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

    A parent of one of the victims, Alhaja Alimot Akande, expressed relief over the news but said the family was waiting to see or speak with the victim before making further comments.

    Meanwhile, Uzodimma commended the security agencies for securing the release of the prospective corps members.

    The governor said the government deliberately kept details of the operation confidential to avoid compromising the rescue effort and ongoing investigation.

    He also thanked the families of the victims for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal, assuring residents that his administration would continue to support measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

    The Imo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress also praised the security agencies for the successful operation and expressed solidarity with the families of the rescued graduates.

    The victims were among 30 graduates travelling in two buses from Ibadan to their NYSC orientation camp in Abia State when suspected gunmen reportedly intercepted them.

    The abductors had initially demanded N50m for each victim, amounting to N1bn, before reportedly reducing the ransom to N5m per person.

    The victims’ families had subsequently appealed to traditional leaders and government authorities to intensify efforts to secure their release.