Politics
GOV. Alex Otti has directed the relevant officials for the removal of all administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the recently approved allowance for corps members deployed in the state.
The governor also directed the local government chairmen to immediately constitute National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Local Government Committees to provide welfare and support community development projects initiated by corps members.
The governor spoke in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area on Friday at the opening ceremony of orientation course for 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II NYSC corps members deployed to the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Otti had in Nov. 2025, raised the monthly state allowance for corps members from N4,000 to N50,000.
When combined with the federal stipend of N77,000, a corps member in the state is expected to receive at least a monthly allowance of N127,000 depending on the place of his/her place of primary assignment.
Otti, represented by Mrs Jane Igwe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, pledged improved welfare, security and upgraded facilities at the NYSC camp in Umuanna, Bende.
He said Abia was undergoing transformation in infrastructure, health, education, technology and security, and urged the corps members to join the rebuilding process.
He described national service as a privilege to contribute to nation-building and develop leadership skills.
The governor encouraged the corps members to serve with enthusiasm, discipline, integrity and a genuine desire to make impact.
He listed camp upgrades including reconstructed internal roads to address erosion among efforts being made to improve facilities at the NYSC camp.
He added that renovation of official quarters; camp clinic, kitchen, solar streetlights and improved water supply are ongoing.
Otti said his administration had invested heavily in digital innovation, entrepreneurship and ICT through initiatives like TechRise.
He urged the corps members to participate actively in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
He assured that every corps member serving in Abia would receive the necessary support.
He stressed that government remains committed to the welfare of corps members throughout their service year.
Otti declared that Abia has abolished discrimination based on state of origin.
“For the next 12 months, Abia is your home. Make it your home even beyond service year,” he said.
In his address, NYSC Abia Coordinator, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, said that corps members have shown enthusiasm, discipline and adaptability since arrival.
Tanimu thanked Otti for support to the scheme, including resources for camp feeding and camp renovation.
He also acknowledged delivery of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat Complex in Umuahia.
The coordinator appealed to LG councils, traditional rulers and stakeholders to support corps members’ Community Development Service (CDS) projects.
He stressed that CDS remains one of the most impactful aspects of the NYSC.
Highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice Ohabuike Chijioke.
One of the corps members, Chisom Onyeukwu, a Public Health graduate of Madonna University, Elele, Rivers, expressed gratitude for being deployed to serve in the state.
“I’m very happy to serve my fatherland especially in Abia. I will put in my best in the course of my one-year service for the progress of my fatherland,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the orientation course will feature physical drills, lectures, entrepreneurship training, sports and cultural activities among others.(NAN)
M.P
Tags: NYSC Otti Removal of Bottlenecks