The Director of the National Youth Service Corps North-East Area Office-2-Taraba, Hajiya Aishatu Adamu, on Thursday visited the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Jatau, to commend the state’s consistent contributions to the NYSC.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the visit, which took place at the Deputy Governor’s office, also highlighted pressing challenges facing the NYSC in Gombe, particularly in relation to the state’s temporary camp facilities.
In her remarks, Adamu lauded the significant support provided by the Gombe State Government under Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, emphasising that this cooperation has been instrumental in the NYSC’s operations. She requested that the government continue its efforts to help the NYSC fulfill its mission, as envisioned by its founder, General Yakubu Gowon.
The Director raised concerns about the current conditions at the temporary NYSC camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area, citing inadequate accommodation and a severe shortage of water. She explained that the absence of a reliable water supply has led to the costly necessity of purchasing water from external vendors. Hajiya Adamu appealed to the state government to expedite the completion of the permanent camp at Boltongo, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area, which she believes will provide better amenities for the corps members and alleviate the ongoing challenges.
Furthermore, she pleaded for the payment of the state allowance for corps members, pointing out that the current national allowance of 33,000 Naira is insufficient given the rising inflation and economic challenges. She expressed hope that the state government would consider this request to improve the welfare of the youth serving in Gombe.
Responding, Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau welcomed the NYSC Director and expressed appreciation for her dedication to the welfare of the corps members in the state. He acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the state, particularly due to limited federal allocations, but emphasised that the state’s progress in governance and in supporting the NYSC was due to the prudent management of resources under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership.
The Deputy Governor also addressed the issue of accommodation, attributing the difficulties to the fact that the current camp is a temporary facility. He explained that the permanent camp site had been taken over by the federal government for the rehabilitation of repentant insurgents. However, he assured the NYSC Zonal Director that efforts are ongoing to complete the permanent camp at Boltongo.
Jatau called on philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to assist in building accommodation facilities for the corps members, in order to ease their living conditions during their service year. He also took the opportunity to advise youth corps members to integrate into their communities by learning local languages and engaging in community development programmes to foster better relationships with the residents.
He commended the visit by the Zonal Director pointing out that it underscored the ongoing collaboration between the NYSC and Gombe State to improve the living conditions of corps members and to ensure the success of the NYSC’s mission in the state.
Those in attendance include the Head of Civil Service, Alh Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, Honourable Commissioners of Higher Education and Education, Mohammed Shettima Gadam and Prof. Aisha Maigari, as well as Permanent Secretary, Deputy Governor’s Office Mrs Larai Maigari and Assistant Director, Administration and Finance, Madam Evelyn Mamman and Special Assistants to His Excellency, Mr. Abubakar Lawan Dong,among others.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s office)
