Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Friday donated N10 million to support the feeding of corps members participating in the 2026 Batch C, Stream II orientation exercise in the state.
Mr Okpebholo announced the donation at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Okada.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Yakubu Musa, Chief of Staff, Government House, also pledged his commitment to provide 2,000 mattresses and 2,000 double bunk beds for the NYSC camp.
The governor promised to complete the ongoing hostel accommodation project at the camp and provide an operational vehicle for the NYSC state coordinator.
Mr Okpebholo pledged to also strengthen security and improve facilities at the orientation camp.
The welfare, safety and security of corps members, he said, remained important to his administration and pledged to improve facilities.
“As your governor, I assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to your welfare and security,” he said.
The governor encouraged the corps members to take advantage of opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship and tourism during their service year.
He urged them to cooperate with the NYSC management, participate actively in the orientation programme and respect the traditions of their host communities.
He also encouraged them to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to develop skills for opportunities.
“You have access to unparalleled opportunities in today’s interconnected global economy.
“The Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the NYSC is tailored to help you harness these opportunities,” he said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Fasina Adedotun said that 2,574 corps members, comprising 1,143 males and 1,431 females, registered for the orientation exercise as of midnight on Thursday.
He said the state commenced the orientation course on Wednesday, Nov. 4, alongside other states in the federation.
Adedotun said the scheme had continued to contribute to the economic and social development of Edo.
“Over the years, the NYSC scheme has continued to contribute its own quota to the economic and social development of Edo state by consistently providing skilled manpower to critical sectors of the state’s economy,” he said.
The NYSC coordinator thanked the state government for supporting corps members’ welfare, security and feeding under its SHINE agenda.
He, however, appealed for the completion of the ongoing hostel project and the provision of bunk beds and mattresses to increase the camp’s accommodation capacity.
He commended the governor for providing buses to convey corps members to the 18 local government areas of the state at the end of each orientation exercise.