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FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BEGINS PAYMENT OF N77,000 MONTHLY ALLOWANCE TO NYSC MEMBERS

The Federal Government has officially started paying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members an increased monthly allowance of N77,000. This follows months of delays after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the pay rise in September 2024, sparking initial excitement among corps members nationwide. For nearly six months after the announcement, serving corps members continued to receive the old allowance of N33,000, which was introduced in 2020 under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The delay in implementing the new allowance had caused disappointment among many NYSC members. A serving corps member in Kwara State, Adepoju, confirmed the development to Tribune Online, stating that the scheme has now commenced payment of the N77,000 allowance. He described the increase as “long overdue” and noted that payments might be disbursed in batches. “Some corps members have already received theirs, while others are still waiting,” he said. The payment comes after the Minister of Youths assured that the federal government would clear the backlog of the new allowance. Meanwhile, the increment aligns with the new minimum wage adjustments advocated by labour unions and the government. Nigerians on social media have also begun reacting to the development, with many expressing relief over the long-awaited implementation of the increased allowance.

SENIOR PRESIDENTIAL AIDE CLARIFIES COMMENT ON CORPS MEMBER’S CRITICISM OF PRESIDENT TINUBU

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, has issued a statement to clarify his previous comment on a corps member’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu. In a statement, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity said his comment was misrepresented and taken out of context. He emphasized that he only suggested the corps member should face NYSC disciplinary measures for violating the scheme’s by-laws and protocol. Ajayi stated that the maximum punishment under the NYSC protocol is expulsion, and he did not imply or suggest any punishment beyond the established norms and laws. He noted that the NYSC scheme is a national programme that symbolizes Nigeria’s triumph over division and its effort to forge a more united nation. Ajayi emphasized the importance of upholding the values of dignity, discipline, and respect for one another as citizens. Temitope Ajayi clarified that his intention was not to advocate for excessive punishment but to stress the importance of discipline and respect within the NYSC scheme. Ajayi reiterated that the NYSC scheme should not be ridiculed by indiscipline, and corps members should adhere to the programme’s by-laws and protocol.

FIRST LADY OLUREMI TINUBU COMMISSIONS NYSC DIGITAL MUSEUM AND TELEVISION STUDIO

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Digital Museum of Dynamic History and Television studio. The facilities, located within the NYSC Directorate headquarters, mark a significant milestone in preserving the legacy of the NYSC Scheme, which has played a pivotal role in fostering patriotism, promoting national unity, and service among Nigerian youth since its establishment in 1973. The SSA Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, in a statement, said the First Lady commended the Nigerian youth, describing them as “indomitable spirits” admired globally. “The Nigerian youth embody an indomitable spirit that the world admires; a spirit of resilience, innovation, and boundless energy,” Senator Tinubu said. Kukoyi added that the First Lady noted the Digital Museum would serve as a tool for civic education and inculcation of national values, showcasing the innovativeness and creativity of Nigerian youth. The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, applauded the First Lady for her contributions to youth development, particularly through her Renewed Hope Initiative. He encouraged the youth to carry on the legacy of the NYSC and conduct research to promote the facility and national development. Olawande explained that the facilities were built with determination by the NYSC leadership, showcasing the scheme’s alignment with global trends. The Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen YD Ahmed, said the museum and TV studio are a dynamic chronicle of Nigeria’s shared history, values, and aspirations. Busola Kukoyi stated that the NYSC museum aims to show the rich legacy of the scheme and Nigeria. The commissioning ceremony was highlighted by a live interview with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in the newly commissioned TV studio.

NYSC SET TO UPGRADE CORPS MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCE TO ₦77,000 MONTHLY

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has concluded arrangements to increase the monthly allowance of corps members to ₦77,000, in line with the new minimum wage. This announcement was made by the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, during a ceremony in Abuja. Ahmed revealed that the payment of the increased allowance would commence soon, as all necessary arrangements had been finalized. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the welfare and security of corps members, stating that 2025 would be a year of improved benefits for them. The DG made the comment as the NYSC received a donation of a staff bus from Capital Express Insurance Company. The bus is intended to alleviate the transportation challenges faced by NYSC staff in Abuja, particularly in the face of rising fuel and transportation costs. According to Ahmed, the donation would greatly ease the commuting difficulties experienced by NYSC staff and corps members. He expressed his gratitude to Capital Express Insurance Company for their generosity and commitment to supporting the NYSC. The Chief Executive Officer of Capital Express Insurance Company, Mr. Matthew Ogwezhi, stated that the donation was part of the company’s ongoing partnership with the NYSC and its dedication to giving back to society. He emphasized that the bus would significantly reduce the daily transportation burden for NYSC staff.