The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended the Abia State Government for its sustained support for the Scheme and called for improved welfare for Corps Members serving in the state.
Nafiu made the call when he paid a courtesy visit to the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, at Umunu, Umuehim, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.
The NYSC Director-General particularly appreciated the state government for renovating the NYSC Orientation Camp, providing a new Secretariat complex to enhance the operations of the Scheme and reviewing upward the allowance of Corps Members.
He described Abia as a peaceful and Corps Members-friendly state, noting that the number of female Corps Members serving in the state was higher than that of their male counterparts.
Nafiu also disclosed that Abia was among the few states where Corps Members were deployed to all local government areas, underscoring the state’s importance to the NYSC deployment programme.
The NYSC boss, however, appealed to the state government to implement the recently reviewed allowance for Corps Members and proceed with the second phase of the renovation of the Orientation Camp.
Responding, Governor Otti congratulated Nafiu on his appointment as Director-General of the NYSC and explained that his administration’s decision to renovate the Orientation Camp was informed by the deplorable condition of its facilities when he visited the camp in 2023.
According to the governor, the first phase of the renovation had been completed, while he had directed that work on the second phase should commence.
Otti also expressed satisfaction with the 8,890 Corps Members currently serving across Abia State and requested the deployment of additional Corps Members to the state.
The governor stressed that Abia was not only a home for Corps Members but also welcomed people from different parts of the country who contributed to the development of the state.
He cited the state Head of Service, Mr Benson Ojeikere, as an example, noting that Ojeikere came to Abia as a Corps Member and was subsequently employed into the state civil service after distinguishing himself during his service year.
Otti said the example demonstrated the opportunities available to Corps Members who make meaningful contributions during their national service.
The engagement underscores the importance of sustained collaboration between the NYSC and the Abia State Government in improving the welfare of Corps Members and providing an enabling environment for them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
