The Cross River State governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, has increased to N5, 000 from N3, 100, the allowance of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the State.
Ayade stated this on Monday during the closing ceremony for the 2018 `Batch B’ Orientation at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra Local Government Area.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Asu Okang, the governor explained that the increase was to help the corps members cushion the effects of high cost of living in the country.
He said: “Dear corps members, I must salute you for the successful completion of your three weeks orientation programme which I believe was interesting.
“I am happy to announce to all of you that we have increased your monthly allowance from N3,100 to N5,000 starting from your batch.
“Since the creation of Cross River State, the largest contributor to the socio-economic development of the State has been the NYSC.
“This is evident in the kind of community development services provided by members of the corps across the State.
“While we continue to appreciate your predecessors for making historical landmark in the State, I charge you to outshine their legacies by going the extra mile towards supporting the dream of a new Cross River.
“We are also confident that as the cloud of the next general elections begins to gather, your neutrality will help in giving the guarantee for free, fair and credible elections.”
Ayade, however, assured the corps members of security in the State, urging them to relate peacefully with their employers and host communities.
The increase is without prejudice to what the Federal government pays them through the NYSC.