By Nkechi Eze
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has appealed for enhanced support from the Rivers State Government to improve facilities at the State’s Orientation Camp.
This call was made during a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The visit was confirmed in an official statement signed by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu.
While expressing appreciation for the government’s continued assistance to the NYSC Secretariat in Rivers State, Brigadier General Nafiu noted that the influx of Corps Members to the State has significantly increased, necessitating the urgent expansion of hostel accommodation at the Orientation Camp.
He revealed that the Scheme now mobilizes an average of 400,000 Corps Members annually nationwide, which has resulted in larger postings to individual states. He stressed that such a development places additional demands on the existing infrastructure, especially in camps.
“The Orientation Camp is the first point of contact Corps Members have with the Scheme. It is where their journey into national service begins, and it must be safe, functional, and conducive for effective training,” the DG stated.
Despite the infrastructural needs, he commended the State Government for providing one of the most modern and spacious camp auditoriums he has encountered, describing it as a model facility within the NYSC framework.
Nafiu also remarked that Corps Members currently undergoing Orientation in Rivers State are enthusiastic and motivated to contribute meaningfully to the development of the State.
In his response, Vice Admiral Ibas assured the NYSC of the State’s readiness to continue supporting the Scheme. He pledged government intervention in areas such as meal subsidies and monthly stipends for Corps Members during the Orientation Exercise, and also promised to consider upgrading hostel facilities to meet the rising demand.
