By Tivta Samuel Aondohemba
In his familiar style of making promises on the spur of the moment, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State made yet another promise on August 1st, 2023, during the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch B Stream one Orientation course at the NYSC Orientation Camp Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area. He proudly declared that each National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in the state would begin to receive a monthly allowance of N15,000, while medical doctors among them would be entitled to N100,000 each.
The Governor’s words were meant to alleviate the financial burden and provide a sense of support to these young individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to serving the state. However, four months have passed since the announcement, and Governor Alia has yet to fulfill his promise, leaving the corps members in a state of disillusionment and disappointment.
The announcement made by Governor Alia was met with great enthusiasm and hope by the corps members, who saw it as a sign of appreciation for their contribution to the development of Benue State. Many of these young individuals come from different parts of the country, leaving behind their families and familiar environments to serve in a state where they often have limited resources and support. The promised increase in allowances was not just a matter of financial gain but also a gesture of recognition and respect for their service.
However, Governor Alia’s failure to fulfill his promise has not only caused financial strain on the corps members but has also shattered their trust and confidence in the current leadership of the state. The delay in the disbursement of the promised allowances has put the corps members in a difficult position, as they struggle to meet their basic needs and carry out their responsibilities effectively. Moreover, the lack of transparency and communication regarding the status of the promised allowances has only added to the frustration and anxiety experienced by the corps members.
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It is disappointing to witness Governor Alia’s lack of commitment to his own words and the welfare of the youths. By failing to honour his promise, he has not only shown a disregard for the well-being of these young individuals but has also demonstrated a lack of accountability and integrity in leadership. The governor’s inaction has raised serious questions about his priorities and his dedication to supporting the youth and their crucial role in the development of the state.
Governor Hyacinth Alia must recognize the gravity of his unfulfilled promise among several others and take immediate and transparent steps to rectify the situation. It is not enough to make grand announcements; it is essential to follow through with concrete actions. The corps members serving in Benue State deserve to be treated with fairness and respect, and their welfare should be a top priority for the state government. It is imperative that Governor Alia acts swiftly to fulfill his promise and rebuild the trust that has been eroded by his inaction.
His failure to keep his promise of increased allowances for NYSC members, despite his public announcement, reflects a significant betrayal of trust and responsibility. It is a disheartening display of disregard for the welfare of the youths and poor leadership.
