The House of Representatives Committee on Youth and Development has expressed concern over the deplorable condition of the existing facilities at the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp in Paikoro, Niger state.
Expressing his frustration while leading other members of the committee on oversight function to the Paikoro NYSC orientation camp in Niger state, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Martins Esin, called on the state government to improvement on the facilities.
According to Esin, the committee had established contact with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and he had promised that intervention would be carried out in the camp beginning in January 2024.
“We have gone around the camp, inspecting the male and female hostels and the clinic, there is a need for improvement in the camp facilities.
“The male host needed more beddings, these members are serving the country, and as such we should make the environment conducive for them to give their best service,” he said
Esin further disclosed that the National Assembly was interested in the well-being of NYSC, considering that the scheme represents fostering National unity and integration among Nigerian youths.
According to him, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon.Tajudeen Abbas and the committee’s leadership had resolved to oversee the activities of the scheme and offer support for optimal performance.
The lawmaker however advised the corps members to be security conscious, noting that corps members have become soft targets for criminals and enemies of the country.
In her address, the NYSC Coordinator in the State, Mrs. Abdulwahab Olayinka, said 1,495 corps members were posted to Niger State adding that those dislodged from FCT, Abuja were registered for 2023 Batch C, Stream 1 orientation course in Niger state.
Olayinka stated that the corps members had displayed a high sense of discipline, highlighting that adequate security was on the ground to safeguard the orientation camp.
She however noted that the scheme was confronted with challenges of shortage of camp facilities, erosion control issues and inadequate boreholes for water supply.
