The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Edo has issued a call for increased support from stakeholders to ensure the success of its initiatives.
This appeal was made by State Coordinator Mrs. Frances Ben-Ushie during the 2025 NYSC Stakeholders’ Forum held in Benin City on Tuesday.
In her keynote address, Ben-Ushie emphasized the importance of collective action to sustain the NYSC’s impact, particularly amid shrinking resources. She highlighted several key areas where stakeholder intervention is crucial, including the sponsorship of corps members’ activities, the provision of training equipment for the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, and the establishment of skill acquisition centres at zonal offices.
“The NYSC scheme has been a cornerstone of national development, yet we cannot ignore the financial and logistical challenges we now face,” Ben-Ushie noted.
She raised concerns over the difficulties corps members encounter in funding their Community Development Service (CDS) projects, which play a vital role in enhancing local communities.
Reflecting on the NYSC’s significant contributions since its establishment in 1973, she called upon stakeholders to amplify their involvement, particularly in light of the evolving economic landscape.
“If we want Edo State to attract and retain top talents, we must create an enabling environment where corps members feel valued and empowered to serve,” she asserted.
Ben-Ushie also mentioned challenges regarding food provisions during orientation camps, citing rising costs that hinder the supply of adequate meals for corps members.
She called for assistance from individuals, corporate entities, and government agencies to support food supply efforts. Furthermore, she sought backing for the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which places medically trained corps members in underserved areas.
The forum featured a presentation by guest speaker Mr. Kevwe Modupe, who urged stakeholders to reassess their roles in making Edo an appealing destination for corps members.
“Experience holds yesterday, but inspiration holds tomorrow, I urge stakeholders to rethink their approach in engaging with the younger generation,” he stated.
Modupe highlighted that ineffective stakeholder engagement has led to a trend of corps members relocating to states like Lagos, Rivers, and Kano.
The forum concluded with a panel discussion, where participants committed to providing the necessary resources, advocacy, and collaborative efforts needed to propel the NYSC programme forward in Edo State.
