From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has urged Corps members to render service to their host communities with the consciousness that they are patriots on national assignment.

Diri, who was represented by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Dr.

Wisdom Poyeri during the 2025 Batch B, Stream 1 closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Boro Town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, also urged them to face the service year with patriotism, dignity and commitment as their actions and omissions can make or mar national development.

While inspiring them to exhibit commitment and diligence, avoid all forms of truancy and provide service as patriots on national assignment, he assured that his administration remained fully committed to the security and well-being of Corps members.

According to Diri, there are unlimited opportunities available for corps members who have positive mindsets for personal and community development.

“Just like you, the state is on a journey of incredible possibilities. We are expanding our outlook to make us one of the most desirable destinations for work, leisure and tourism. We invite you to join us on this exciting journey,” Diri stated.

He described the warm reception and hospitality of the people of the state as unprecedented and urged the corps members to reciprocate this gesture by working hard in their various places of primary assignments.

“It goes without saying that you will find the people of Bayelsa warm and hospitable and thus, the government is fully committed to your security and welfare. Be assured that we will take measures to ensure that you can go about your legitimate business without let or hindrance.”

“Remember, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Go forth and make your mark as the world awaits.”

While wishing them happiness, success and love in the state, he declared the 2025 Batch B, Stream 1 orientation course closed.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Okpalifo Obiageli Charity commended the corps members and Camp officials for teamwork and discipline that among other factors ensured a hitch free orientation course and enjoined the Corps members to promptly report to their respective places of primary assignments.

She charged them to settle down, render quality service to nations in the state and leave positive indelible marks in their respective host communities.

The Corps members were   also warned against engaging in actions and omissions that will put their lives in danger and negatively affect their service year.

Particularly, she cautioned against the negative use of social media, travelling at night and traveling across the river without life jacket.

She reminded them that primary assignment runs simultaneously with Community Development Service and urged them to identify the felt needs of the host community, initiate and execute viable CDS projects that will address such needs to leave a legacy beneficial to the people.

She further highlighted that the Bayelsa State Government, alongside the NYSC, has put together a reward system for Corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year.

“During the period of this orientation course, you participated in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training. The time for you to build on that foundation and refine your chosen skill has come. As you proceed to your places of Primary Assignments, please, do not let this foundation die; Identify a skill centre nearest to you so as to perfect on the skill you have acquired while on camp. The future of this country’s economy lies in your hands- do not waste this golden opportunity.” She explained

She expressed sincere gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government for its commitment to the welfare and security of the Corps members. She also appreciated collaborating partners and Camp officials for their team spirit, and commitment throughout the period of the orientation programme.

She called on all Corps Employers and traditional rulers in the state  to ensure that Corps lodges are habitable and secured for Corps members  She thanked God for a hitch free orientation course and prayed for journey mercies as camp officials, corps members and invited guests departed the camp to their various destinations.

Highlights of the event were the inspection of guards and a colourful parade display by the Corps members.

By Divine Ndukwe, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State on the passing of his father, Alhaji Ahmed Momohsani Ododo.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga yesterday in Abuja.

The President stresses that his thoughts and prayers are with the Ododo family, friends, and the people of Kogi State as they mourn the deceased.

Alhaji Momohsani died on Monday after the 2PM Muslim prayers at 83.

Tinubu described the deceased as a respected community leader whose legacy is evident in the accomplishments of the children he nurtured.

The President urged Governor Ododo, his family, and the entire Ododo clan to take solace in their patriarch’s life of service to God and the moral and religious values that guided him.

He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and God’s comfort for the bereaved family, friends and associates.

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja 

The National Assembly has sought for a distinct salary structure for the legislative aides of the 469 federal lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives, totalling well over 300,000. 

Aside from a distinct salary structure which will take care of their various peculiar financial needs, the National Assembly also sought for the insulation of appointments of the political appointees from arbitrary terminations by their principals.

 

Making the calls in his address at a 3 day capacity building training organised yesterday for the legislative aides in Abuja yesterday,  the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana said that the challenges must be tackled for the aides in other to ensure a better service delivery from them and by extension, better the performance of the federal lawmakers.

According to Barrister Ogunlana, ” we are not unaware of the challenges you face. Although Legislative Aides are political appointees, your conditions of service are tied to the template of career civil servants, which appears not to take cognizance of your peculiar needs.

” Unlike the career civil servants, your appointments do not guarantee job security with your tenure largely dependent on your principals, and ranking is often not based on qualifications or competence.

“Furthermore, there is currently no comprehensive law or guidelines clearly defining the duties and responsibilities of the various cadres of Legislative Aides. This leaves gaps that sometimes expose you to arbitrary decisions and unfair treatment.

“The present management believes it is time to address these systemic issues.

We are advocating that the National Assembly Service Commission and the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission should consider developing a distinct salary structure and conditions of service that reflect the unique nature of your work. 

“We also believe the qualifications for appointments should be reviewed to attract competent and experienced personnel. Equally important is the need for mechanisms to prevent arbitrary termination of appointments by principals”. 

In his remarks at the training organized by the National Assembly in collaboration with Research Enterprise Systems ( RES), the Chairman of National Assembly Service Commission ( NASC), Saviour Enyiekere tasked the legislative aides to be more knowledgeable and skillfull than their principals for robust legislative outputs at both chambers of the National Assembly.

Categories of legislative aides attending the 3- day event are the Chief of Staff to the four Presiding officers in NASS, their Special Advisers, Senior Legislative Aides ( SLA) to federal lawmakers etc. 

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