Governor Alia has pledged strong support and safety measures for corps members in Benue State.
He warned agencies against rejection and vowed to prioritize their welfare throughout service year.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of corps members serving in the state, amid concerns over insecurity and institutional rejection. The governor made this known during the official closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch A Stream II orientation course of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), held at the Wannune camp in Tarka Local Government Area on Tuesday.
Represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development, and Creativity, Terkimbi Ikyange, Governor Alia gave assurances that his administration had taken concrete steps to address security concerns in various parts of the state. He revealed that additional security personnel had been deployed to reinforce protection in vulnerable areas, thereby providing a safer environment for residents, including NYSC members.
“Our dear state has experienced insecurity through unprovoked attacks on our communities in recent times. My administration has not rested on its oars. We have consistently engaged with security agencies and other key stakeholders to intensify interventions and devise long-term solutions to these persistent threats,” the governor stated.
He urged the newly posted corps members to remain calm and focused on their service year, assuring them that every effort is being made to ensure their safety. “We have received additional security deployment for the vulnerable areas, and I assure you of your safety throughout your stay in the state,” he said.
Governor Alia also used the opportunity to caution heads of government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as private sector employers, against rejecting corps members posted to their institutions. He emphasized that the NYSC policy prohibiting rejection remains in force, and any government agency that flouts the directive may face disciplinary action.
“Let me, at this function, remind all Corps employers, particularly Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the private sector in the state, that the policy of non-rejection of Corps members is still being enforced. For the avoidance of doubt, any state government agency head who defies this directive could be sanctioned accordingly,” the governor warned.
He further reiterated his administration’s dedication to the welfare of the corps members, stating that their well-being would remain a top priority throughout their service year. “My administration will continue to prioritise the welfare and well-being of Corps members serving in the State throughout their service year,” he assured.
Also speaking at the event, the Benue State Coordinator of the NYSC, Veronica Garba, encouraged the corps members to be model representatives of the scheme, their respective families, and academic institutions. She reminded them of the importance of discipline, integrity, and moral conduct as they move into their places of primary assignment.
“As you proceed to your various places of posting shortly, I urge you to be good ambassadors of the scheme, your families, and institutions of graduation,” she advised.
Garba also cautioned them against engaging in activities that could tarnish the reputation of the NYSC or cause personal harm. “Stay away from negative acts that are inimical to the image of NYSC and your families, especially drug abuse and trafficking, cybercrimes, cultism, and bribery, amongst others,” she said.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of the three-week orientation exercise, during which corps members underwent paramilitary drills, leadership training, and lectures on civic responsibilities.
