By Leonard Okachie
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has appealed to Gov. Alex Otti to expedite action on the ongoing rehabilitation of its Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area of Abia.
The appeal was made by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course, on Friday.
Adama urged the governor to intervene and resume the second phase of rehabilitation work at the camp, which was temporarily halted after the completion of the first phase.
She also requested the urgent relocation of the NYSC State Secretariat from its current location on Finbarrs Road, Umuahia, describing the building as “uninhabitable.”
In addition, she appealed for the donation of a coaster bus to aid operational logistics, as well as utility vehicles including an ambulance to support camp activities.
Adama disclosed that a total of 1,870 corps members, 902 males and 968 females, had been registered for the orientation course.
“These young men and women represent diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
“They will be under the care of the Abia Government for the next one year,” she said.
Congratulating the corps members on their call-up, Gov. Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba expressed appreciation for their commitment to national service.
He said his administration was focused on rebuilding and developing the state through projects in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture.
“Specifically, we aim to revitalise all critical NYSC infrastructures, including the orientation camp and the relocation of the NYSC Secretariat at Finbarrs Road, Umuahia,” he said.
Otti also pledged the government’s support for improved healthcare facilities and promised to partner with the NYSC on its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chief Judge of Abia, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice C.U. Okoroafor, administered the oath of allegiance to the corps members during the ceremony.
(NAN)
