The Chairman of Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Uno Etim, has approved a monthly stipend of N20,000 for each National Youth Service Corps member serving in the area.

Etim announced the approval on Tuesday when corps members serving in the council area paid him a courtesy visit.

He said the payment would take immediate effect, adding that the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of corps members deployed to the local government.

“For the corps members serving here, we have approved a monthly stipend of N20,000 for each of the corps members, and the payment takes immediate effect,” Etim said.

The chairman urged the corps members to consider Urue-Offong/Oruko their home throughout their service year and assured them of the necessary support to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

He also directed the council’s Works Department to inspect the accommodation provided for corps members and identify areas requiring renovation or other interventions.

Etim described the monthly stipend as a practical expression of his administration’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians contributing their skills and energy to the development of the local government.

He assured the corps members that their safety, welfare and peaceful service would remain priorities of the council.

Speaking on behalf of the corps members, the Community Liaison Officer, Ukachukwu Ifeanyi, appreciated the council chairman for the initiative and other development efforts in the area.