NYSC DG hails Abia camp renovation, seeks more govt support

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The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of renovation works at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abia State, describing the facility as being in a much better state compared with his last visit.

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Speaking to journalists on Wednesday during an official visit to the 2026 Batch B Stream 2 Orientation Exercise in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, the DG said Phase 1 of the renovation had been completed, while awaiting the commencement of Phase 2.

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“I visited the corps members to assess first-hand the progress of the 2026 Batch B Stream 2 orientation exercise that is ongoing. The last time I came here, the facilities were in a terrible state. But today, at least Phase 1 of the renovation exercise has been concluded,” he said.

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The DG noted that corps members deployed to Abia State were making significant contributions to the socio-economic development of the state through service in the health, education and engineering sectors.

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“These people are here to serve the nation. They are here to integrate into society and foster national unity and cultural cohesion. They are here to learn from the people of Abia State,” he stated.

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He disclosed that the scheme currently has over 53 doctors and 112 nurses serving in Abia State, in addition to teachers and engineers.

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“They are going to learn from the culture of the people. They are going to take things home. They are going to contribute to the development of Abia State,” he added.

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Nafiu urged corps members to be good ambassadors by respecting the culture and values of Abia people. He also appealed to residents to receive corps members with open arms.

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“My charge to them is that they should be good guests. Respect the culture, the values of the people of Abia State. And my request to the people of Abia State is to see these people as their own children, their brothers and sisters. Welcome them, receive them with open arms,” he said.

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He stressed the need for synergy between the NYSC and the state government to maximise the scheme’s benefits.

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On areas requiring further government support, the DG said he would table additional requests during an audience with the Governor of Abia State.

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“His Excellency has graciously agreed to grant me audience. From here I’m going to have an engagement with His Excellency and will be able to table further requests to him. His Excellency has been responsive, but we will discuss further,” he said.

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Speaking during the visit, the NYSC State Coordinator in the state, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, said 1,753 corps members, comprising 760 males and 993 females, were registered for the orientation exercise.

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He described the corps members deployed to Abia as disciplined, enthusiastic and adaptable to the regimented nature of the orientation camp.

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He said camp activities, including lectures, parade drills, military manoeuvres, sports, social activities and the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, were progressing smoothly, with corps members actively participating.

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According to him, the camp clinic is being managed by 12 medical doctors, 19 nurses, 13 pharmacists and 21 other health personnel, working alongside a doctor and a nurse from the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, to attend to the health needs of the camp community.

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The state coordinator said security around the camp had remained relatively stable, adding that the NYSC was working with security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, access control and general security within and around the camp.

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Highlighting some of the achievements recorded since his assumption of office, Tanimu said 251 plastic chairs were procured during the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course, while another 110 chairs were procured for the ongoing exercise.

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He added that the camp entrance and outer walls had been painted and decorated with NYSC inscriptions, while a ramp was constructed at the multipurpose hall to provide wheelchair access to the stage in line with the organisation’s policy on inclusivity.

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