Youth Minister Dismisses Alleged Threats Against NYSC Member Raye, Confirms New Allowance Payment.
The Nigerian Minister of Youth, Ayodele Olawande, has refuted claims that a young critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration was threatened, assuring that the government upholds freedom of expression. He also confirmed that the new National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allowance will take effect by the end of this month.
Speaking on a popular television programme this evening, Olawande addressed concerns regarding Raye, an NYSC member recently posted to Lagos, who had criticised government policies. He clarified that Raye was merely exercising her fundamental right to free speech and dismissed allegations of intimidation.
In addition, the minister provided an update on the long-awaited increase in NYSC allowances. He assured corps members that the new payment of ₦77,000 would commence at the end of the month, following the completion of the necessary budgetary processes.
“It was not in the budget when the President announced it, and you need it to be in the budget before it can be done, paid, or anybody can do anything. The budgetary allocation has been done now, we are done with the process, and it has been approved. So now we can start paying it, and we will work on the backlogs as well,” Olawande explained.
His statement has provided relief for corps members eagerly anticipating the allowance increase, marking a significant step in the government’s commitment to youth welfare.
