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

The council chairman, Chief Uno Etim, announced the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by corps members serving in the local government.

Etim said the payment would take immediate effect, adding that the council would provide necessary support to enable the corps members to perform their duties effectively.

“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,” he said.

The chairman urged the corps members to regard Urue-Offong/Oruko as their home for the duration of their service year and assured them of the council’s support.

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

Etim described the stipend as part of his administration’s support for young Nigerians deployed to contribute their skills and energy to the development of the local government.

He further assured the corps members that their safety, welfare and peaceful completion of their service year remained priorities of the council.

Speaking on behalf of the corps members, the Community Liaison Officer, Ukachukwu Ifeanyi, thanked the council chairman for the development initiatives in the area.