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OTTI ASSURES CORPS MEMBERS OF SECURITY, WELFARE, APPROVES SECOND PHASE OF NYSC CAMP RENOVATION
OTTI ASSURES CORPS MEMBERS OF SECURITY, WELFARE, APPROVES SECOND PHASE OF NYSC CAMP RENOVATION
OTTI ASSURES CORPS MEMBERS OF SECURITY, WELFARE, APPROVES SECOND PHASE OF NYSC CAMP RENOVATION
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state of adequate security and improved welfare, while directing the commencement of the second phase of renovation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.
Otti gave the assurance on Friday, November 6, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream Two Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, where he was represented by the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba.
The governor said his administration remained committed to the security, welfare and general well-being of Corps Members serving in Abia, adding that the government was working in collaboration with security and law enforcement agencies to ensure their protection across the state.
He disclosed that the state government had commenced payment of an enhanced state allowance to Corps Members and provided essential items, including office furniture, for the NYSC State Secretariat in Umuahia.
Otti, who welcomed the Corps Members to Abia, congratulated them on the successful completion of their academic programmes and urged them to embrace the national assignment with discipline, commitment, humility and patriotism.
He described the NYSC scheme as an important instrument of national integration, which brings together young Nigerians from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds to live, work and learn together.
The governor encouraged the Corps Members to contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities, stressing that the value of their service should not be measured only by the completion of the programme but also by the positive impact they make and the relationships they build.
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He said Abia had become an increasingly attractive destination for prospective Corps Members because of the youth-friendly policies and initiatives of his administration, urging them to take advantage of their stay to witness the transformation taking place across various sectors of the state.
On the condition of the orientation camp, Otti acknowledged the need to improve accommodation for course officials and other critical facilities, including the clinic, kitchen, administrative block and stores.
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He said he had directed that the identified areas be addressed in the second phase of the camp renovation, adding that erosion threats affecting parts of the facility would also be tackled to prevent further deterioration of the infrastructure.
The governor also called on residents of Abia to receive Corps Members warmly, irrespective of their states of origin, ethnicity or place of birth, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to equal treatment and opportunities for all Nigerians residing in the state.
He further appealed to Corps employers in federal and state government institutions as well as private establishments to provide decent working conditions, appropriate accommodation and adequate welfare arrangements for Corps Members.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs Jane Igwe, described Abia as a land of opportunities, hospitality and enterprise, urging the Corps Members to make the best of their stay in the state.
Ananaba particularly encouraged them to explore the entrepreneurial opportunities in Aba, renowned for its garment, leatherwork and footwear industries, noting that the city offered valuable lessons in innovation, business development and the resilience of small-scale enterprises.
He assured them that the Abia State Government, under Governor Otti, would continue to provide a conducive, secure and supportive environment for them to discharge their duties effectively.
In his address, the Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that a total of 1,652 Corps Members, comprising 657 males and 995 females, had registered for service in Abia State.
He added that another 315 Corps Members dislodged from Rivers State, comprising 105 males and 210 females, were also accommodated in the camp.
Tanimu explained that the orientation course commenced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and was designed to acquaint the Corps Members with the ideals, objectives and programmes of the NYSC while preparing them for the responsibilities of national service.
He urged the Corps Members to participate actively in the various camp activities, including paramilitary drills, lectures, entrepreneurship training, sporting competitions and cultural activities.
The NYSC Coordinator commended the state government for providing resources to improve camp facilities and supporting the second phase of the renovation of the permanent orientation camp.
He also appreciated the security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and Federal Fire Service, for their continued support towards the successful conduct of the orientation exercise.
The highlight of the event was the administration of the oath, performed by the representative of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai, who was ably represented by Hon. Justice Benson Anya. The ceremony was graced by other distinguished dignitaries and representatives of key government institutions and security agencies and Traditional Rulers among others.
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