The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for sustaining peace and security in the state, saying the development has made Abia a preferred destination for corps members across Nigeria.
Nafiu stated this 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.
The NYSC boss attributed the growing number of corps members posted to Abia, particularly female corps members, to the prevailing peaceful and secure environment in the state.
He disclosed that 8,890 corps members are currently serving in Abia, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males.
Nafiu also expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for his intervention in the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, describing the first phase of the renovation as a significant improvement in facilities.
He further commended the governor for providing and furnishing a new NYSC State Secretariat and increasing the monthly allowance of corps members serving in the state.
According to him, Abia currently has 343 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists, serving willingly in the state, unlike some states where such professionals reportedly decline their postings.
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 Abia.
Otti said his administration considers corps members deployed to the state as members of the Abia community rather than visitors, assuring the NYSC leadership of continued cooperation.
The governor disclosed that his administration had commenced the rehabilitation of the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Umunna and had approved the second phase of renovation works.
He said the intervention was aimed at providing corps members with a safe, comfortable and conducive environment throughout their service year.
Otti recalled that he was concerned by the condition of the camp when he first visited it, prompting the government to commence its rehabilitation.
The governor, however, called for the deployment of more healthcare personnel to Abia, saying additional medical professionals would support the state’s efforts to expand access to quality healthcare services.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ogbonnaya Uche, and other government officials were present during the visit.
