By Ganiyat Mumuni

The Ogun State Government has attributed the temporary accommodation of some prospective corps members in a multipurpose hall at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Sagamu to a surge in the number of participants and delays caused by registration procedures.

 

The government said more than 4,300 prospective corps members reported for the current orientation exercise, compared with slightly above 2,000 in previous batches, putting additional pressure on the camp’s available facilities.

 

The explanation followed public reactions to a viral video showing some prospective corps members sleeping in a hall at the camp, with concerns raised over their accommodation arrangements.

 

Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Kayode Akinmade, said the arrangement was temporary, explaining that those who had yet to complete their registration were accommodated in the multipurpose hall while the exercise continued.

 

According to him, prospective corps members must undergo credential verification and screening by National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials before they can be allocated hostel spaces.

 

He clarified that registration, screening, verification of credentials and hostel allocation are exclusively the responsibility of NYSC officials, rather than the state government.

 

Akinmade, however, said the state government had continued to support the scheme through interventions aimed at improving the welfare of corps members.

 

He disclosed that the government provided 500 mattresses for the current exercise, while the Akarigbo of Remo donated 100 mattresses, followed by an additional 200.

 

The media aide also recalled that Governor Abiodun had approved a welfare grant of ₦50,000 each for 3,050 corps members of the 2026 Batch C, Stream I, to support their transportation.

 

He said the state’s interventions reflected its commitment to creating a conducive environment for young Nigerians undertaking the mandatory national service in Ogun.

 

Akinmade further noted that Ogun had been adjudged the best state in NYSC administration, describing the recognition as evidence of the government’s sustained support for the scheme.

 

He urged members of the public to distinguish between the operational responsibilities of the NYSC and the supportive role of the state government.

 

He assured that the Abiodun administration would continue to provide necessary assistance to improve the welfare of corps members serving in the state