Gov Otti Orders Immediate Restoration Of NYSC Camp Structures, Facilities

A painting of Gov Otti from NYSC

Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, has directed Mr. Nwobilor Ananab a, Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, to inspect the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp in Umunnato, Bende Local Government Area, to determine the extent of the deterioration and make necessary repairs.

According to Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Otti issued the directive on Friday while hosting the NYSC State Coordinator in Abia State, Barr. Mrs. Gladys Adama, and her team, which included corps members, on a visit.

After hearing Mrs. Adama calmly articulate all of the issues in her address to the Abia Chief Executive, the Governor was shocked to learn how bad the camp’s condition had deteriorated.

He promptly directed the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, who was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting, to collaborate with the NYSC State Coordinator to address the issues raised in order to restore the camp to a decent and secure environment.

Governor Otti reiterated that it is in the nature of his government to prioritise the welfare of the people, adding that anyone who lives and works in the state is considered an Abian.

“I have taken note of all of the points you raised, including the well-being of the 5,000 youth corps members, office space, the challenge of fencing the camp, ambulance, the Coordinator’s residence, and, of course, State allowance payment.

“We are going to look at them,” Governor Otti promised, claiming that there was no such thing as state allowance payment during his time as a corps member.

Earlier, Mrs. Adama, who reported that there are over 5,000 corps members deployed to the state and working in various sectors, expressed regret that previous administrations had left the NYSC camp’s facilities to deteriorate without maintenance.

According to her, the Coordinator’s residence and other structures in the camp are in poor condition, with cracked walls and leaking roofs. She stated that a large portion of the camp’s perimeter fence had fallen off, and the football pitch was also in poor condition.

She urged the State Government to consider paying monthly allowances to corps members deployed to the state in order to boost morale.