Gov Otti Orders Immediate Implementation of Approved Allowance for NYSC Members in Abia

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, to liaise with the State Head of Service to immediately remove all bottlenecks delaying the implementation of the additional allowance approved for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state.

Governor Otti gave the directive while receiving the newly posted Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, and his delegation at the Government House, Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

The Governor recalled that he had earlier resolved the Bank Verification Number (BVN) issues that had delayed the implementation of the allowance and expressed surprise that the approval had yet to be effected.

He reiterated that his administration regards corps members as an integral part of the state’s development and assured them that his government would continue to prioritise their welfare, irrespective of their states of origin.

Welcoming the new State Coordinator to Abia, Governor Otti said his administration embraces everyone regardless of their state of origin or religious affiliation. He assured the delegation that his government would continue to ensure the prudent management of the state’s limited resources for the benefit of all residents.

Earlier, the newly posted NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, said the visit was to formally introduce himself and seek the Governor’s blessings following his assumption of office. He congratulated Governor Otti on his numerous achievements, particularly in infrastructure development and the implementation of policies and programmes aimed at repositioning Abia for sustainable development.

Mr Tanimu noted that the NYSC had been a major beneficiary of Governor Otti’s people-centred administration. He commended the Governor for approving the payment of an additional allowance for corps members serving in the state, saying the gesture would significantly boost their morale and strengthen their commitment to national service.

He also appreciated the Governor for the comprehensive renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, the consistent release of funds to augment the feeding of corps members during orientation courses, and the provision of a new office accommodation for the NYSC State Secretariat in Umuahia.

Mr Tanimu disclosed that there are currently 7,310 corps members serving in Abia State. He appealed to the Governor to provide a new clinic and an ambulance for the NYSC Orientation Camp to improve healthcare delivery during orientation exercises, among other requests. He described Governor Otti as the most NYSC-friendly Governor in Nigeria.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other top government officials.