The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Plateau State Chapter, Hamisu Anani, has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Plateau State of adequate security, accommodation and a conducive environment throughout their one-year national service.
Anani gave the assurance on Friday during a visit by the 17 local government chairmen to the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp in Du, Jos South Local Government Area.
Addressing the corps members on behalf of the local government councils, he reaffirmed the commitment of the councils to working with the NYSC and other stakeholders to ensure corps members serve in a peaceful atmosphere despite isolated security challenges in some parts of the state.
Welcoming the corps members to the “Home of Peace and Tourism,” Anani described the NYSC scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring platforms for promoting national unity, cultural integration and selfless service.
“Our Local Government Councils value your presence and the important contributions you will make in our communities. Many sectors, particularly education, healthcare, agriculture and community development, have benefited immensely from the dedication and commitment of corps members,” he said.
He urged the corps members to remain disciplined, law-abiding and hardworking, while serving as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions and the nation.
The ALGON chairman also encouraged them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that the entrepreneurial and vocational skills acquired would equip them for self-reliance and wealth creation after national service.
He further advised them to shun violence, drug abuse, cybercrime and other social vices, while promoting peace, innovation and national unity in their host communities.
As part of the association’s support for the NYSC scheme, Anani announced a donation of N5 million on behalf of the 17 local government chairmen to enhance the welfare of corps members serving in Plateau State.
Following the address, the council chairmen toured the SAED exhibition, where corps members showcased various vocational and entrepreneurial products developed during the orientation programme.
Speaking during the visit, the Executive Chairman of Jos South Local Government Area, Hon. Silas Patrick Dung, urged corps members not to be discouraged by negative perceptions about Plateau State, stressing that the successful conduct of the orientation exercise without any security breach demonstrated that the state remained safe for national service.
Dung encouraged the corps members to become ambassadors of Plateau by sharing their positive experiences with their families and friends.
He assured them that local government councils would continue to prioritise their welfare, adding that Jos South had provided one of the best corps lodges in the state as part of its support for the NYSC scheme.
The chairman further challenged the corps members to see themselves as critical partners in Nigeria’s development, describing the nation’s youth as its greatest asset despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.
Similarly, the Chairman of Shendam Local Government Area, Hon. Kemi Nshe, appealed to corps members not to seek relocation after the orientation course but to remain in Plateau and contribute meaningfully to the state’s development.
“Relocating is not always the solution, and leaving Plateau State is not necessarily the answer. Every place has its own challenges. Rather than giving up, let us remain committed to building our communities, overcoming insecurity, embracing innovation and creating opportunities where we are,” he said.
Nshe also announced an incentive package for corps members posted to Shendam Local Government Area, revealing that medical doctors would receive a monthly allowance of N150,000, while nurses and other healthcare personnel would receive N75,000 monthly. He added that other corps members serving in the council would also benefit from welfare support.
Earlier, the Plateau State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Yavala Jonathan Iliya, commended the 17 local government chairmen for personally visiting the orientation camp to reassure corps members of their safety and demonstrate their commitment to their welfare.
He said the NYSC would continue to equip corps members with entrepreneurial, vocational and life skills through the SAED programme, preparing them for productive and self-reliant lives after their service year.
Responding on behalf of the corps members, Blessing Samose and Yusuf Obafemi expressed confidence in the security situation in Plateau State and pledged to complete their one-year national service in the state.
They described Plateau as peaceful, hospitable and conducive for national service, while appreciating the state government, local government chairmen and NYSC management for their assurances and continued support.