Cross section of corps members during the swearing-in ceremony. Photo: Ogbonnaya Ikokwu
The Abia State Government has positioned the National Youth Service Corps as a strategic platform for nurturing future leaders, unveiling a broad package of welfare, infrastructure and entrepreneurship initiatives during the swearing-in of the 2026 Batch B Stream II corps members.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed this on Friday while declaring the orientation course open at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mrs Jane Igwe, assured the corps members that their welfare and security remain a top priority of the administration.
He said the state had recorded significant improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and security while executing major upgrades at the orientation camp, including the reconstruction of its internal road network to tackle erosion challenges.
He disclosed that additional projects such as the renovation of officials’ quarters, rehabilitation of the camp clinic and kitchen, improved water supply, and installation of more solar-powered streetlights would further enhance the living conditions of corps members.
He said, “I urge you, as young graduates, to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme because our investments in digital innovation, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the TechRise initiative were designed to prepare youths for opportunities in the emerging global economy.
“We have announced the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the approved state allowance for corps members and directed all local government chairmen to constitute NYSC Local Government Committees in line with the NYSC Act to strengthen welfare delivery and grassroots support for community development projects.
“In Abia, we have abolished discriminatory practices based on state of origin and assure you of equal opportunities to live, work and thrive in the state beyond the service year.”
Earlier, the Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that the orientation exercise, which commenced on August 5, had successfully registered 1,526 corps members by the official cut-off date.
He said, “The deployment policy of the scheme is one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments for promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
“We have in this camp a total of 1,526 corps members (689 male and 875 female) drawn from different parts of Nigeria who have officially registered and been sworn in today.
“I commend Abia State Governor Alex Otti for his sustained support for the scheme, including funding for camp feeding, approval for the second phase of the renovation of the permanent orientation camp and the delivery of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.”
The state coordinator also called on local government councils, traditional rulers, corporate organisations and community leaders to strengthen support for corps members’ Community Development Service projects, while appreciating security agencies and the media for their continued partnership in ensuring successful orientation exercises and advancing the objectives of the NYSC nationwide.
The event featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the corps members by Hon. Justice Chijioke, representative of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Abai.
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