NYSC urges INEC to prioritize corps members’ security, welfare during CVR exercise

By Praise Chinecherem

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anambra State has urged Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritize the welfare, safety, and timely payment of allowances for corps members to serve as ad hoc staff during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua gave the advice at a stakeholders’ meeting convened by INEC on Thursday at the Commission’s Collation Hall ahead of the CVR scheduled for July 8–17, 2025 in the State.

She emphasized corps members’ indispensable role in ensuring credible elections as well as the need to treat them as family, citing past delays in payments as a critical concern.

The NYSC boss reaffirmed NYSC’s commitment to supporting INEC, while underscoring that the well-being of corps members must remain a top priority.

“Corps members are like our children, and we must treat them with care and respect. In previous exercises, there have been delays in the payment of their allowances, which is unacceptable.

“We are partners in this endeavor. The NYSC will continue to support INEC in every way possible, but we expect our corps members to be treated fairly and their needs met.

“We call on INEC to ensure this does not happen again,” she added.

Responding, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, assured stakeholders that the commission is committed to addressing their concerns.

“We recognize the invaluable contribution of corps members to the success of our elections. Their allowances will be paid promptly, and we will provide the necessary support and security to ensure they can perform their duties effectively.”

She also urged corps members to handle electoral materials responsibly and adhere to proper procedures.

The stakeholders’ meeting brought together representatives from the National Orientation Agency, election observers, and political parties to discuss logistical preparations for the CVR, which aims to register new voters and update voter records ahead of the elections.

While the event covered various aspects of the electoral process, the welfare of NYSC members emerged as a focal point, with Ojisua’s impassioned plea resonating throughout the discussions.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for unity among stakeholders to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, with INEC pledging to address both logistical challenges and welfare concerns to ensure a smooth and credible CVR exercise in the State.