The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has inaugurated the Kogi State Governing Board of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), appointing the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, as Chairman of the Board.

The inauguration, held on Thursday at the Deputy Governor’s Office in Lokoja, underscored the administration’s commitment to youth development, national integration and strengthening institutions that promote sustainable socio-economic growth.

Representing Governor Ododo at the ceremony, the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, said the administration remains committed to creating opportunities for young people and supporting institutions that foster leadership, patriotism and national cohesion.

Governor Ododo also conveyed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his administration’s continued emphasis on youth empowerment, human capital development and policies aimed at building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

According to the Governor, the effectiveness of the NYSC Scheme in Kogi State depends largely on sound policy direction, effective coordination and robust collaboration among stakeholders, describing the Governing Board as a critical institution for achieving the objectives of the Scheme.

He noted that members of the Board were carefully selected based on their competence, experience and proven commitment to public service, expressing confidence in their ability to provide strategic leadership for the successful implementation of the Scheme in the state.

Governor Ododo charged the Board to prioritise the welfare, safety and security of corps members while strengthening collaboration with security agencies and other relevant institutions to guarantee a conducive environment for national service.

Speaking shortly after his inauguration as Chairman of the Board, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, described the appointment as a call to greater service and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

He said the NYSC remains one of Nigeria’s most important institutions for promoting leadership, patriotism, national unity and community service, stressing that the Governing Board would work closely with the NYSC State Secretariat to enhance the Scheme’s operations in Kogi State.

“The NYSC continues to serve as a platform for building responsible and patriotic young Nigerians. As a Board, we are committed to strengthening collaboration with all stakeholders, improving the welfare and security of corps members, and ensuring they serve in an environment that enables them to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state,” he said.

Anyebe commended Governor Ododo for placing youth development at the centre of governance through deliberate policies and sustained investments in programmes that empower young people.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development to deepen its partnership with the NYSC through initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, volunteerism, sports development and community engagement.

The Commissioner also assured serving and prospective corps members that the Kogi State Government remains committed to their welfare and would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to make meaningful contributions across key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.

Earlier, the Kogi State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Chris Moneke Chika Tochi, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to supporting the socio-economic development of Kogi State, noting that corps members would continue to partner with the state government in delivering impactful community development initiatives.

The inaugurated Board comprises representatives of relevant ministries, security agencies and the NYSC, with Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe serving as Chairman.

Vanguard News