NYSC DG Commends Otti, Says Abia Is Most Preferred State for Corps Members

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the prevailing peace, security and conviviality in the state, which he said has made Abia the most preferred destination for corps members serving across the federation.

Brigadier General Nafiu made the commendation when he led a delegation of the NYSC on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

He also expressed appreciation to the Governor for his intervention in the rehabilitation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

The NYSC DG, who expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural facelift at the camp, noted that the first phase of the renovation had significantly improved facilities, while commending Governor Otti for providing and furnishing a new NYSC State Secretariat.

He disclosed that 8,890 corps members are currently serving in Abia, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males. He attributed the high number of female corps members deployed to the state to the relative peace and security prevailing in Abia.

General Nafiu also thanked Governor Otti for increasing the monthly allowance for corps members serving in the state. He noted that, unlike in some states where medical doctors, nurses and pharmacists reject their postings, Abia currently has 343 medical personnel willingly serving in the state.

Responding, Governor Otti assured the NYSC of his administration’s continued support towards improving the welfare of corps members and maximising their contribution to the socio-economic development of the state.

Governor Otti said his administration regards corps members deployed to Abia not merely as visitors undertaking national service, but as members of the state. He assured the NYSC leadership that the state government would continue to cooperate with the scheme and improve the experience of corps members serving in Abia.

The Governor noted that his administration had already embarked on the rehabilitation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende LGA, and confirmed that he had approved the commencement of the second phase of the renovation works.

He explained that the approval was part of efforts to provide corps members with a safe and conducive environment throughout their service year, recalling that he was embarrassed by the state of the facility when he first visited the camp.

Governor Otti, however, called for the deployment of more healthcare personnel to the state, noting that their presence would be valuable as his administration intensifies efforts to expand access to quality healthcare services across Abia.

The Commissioner for Health, Professor Ogbonnaya Uche, and other government officials were present during the visit.