Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged to address promptly, the urgent challenges facing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state.
Governor Otti who made the commitment during a meeting with the State NYSC Coordinator, Barr. (Mrs.) Gladys Adama, and her team, expressed shock at the poor condition of the NYSC camp.
He assured that the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the Special Adviser on Sports would collaborate with the NYSC Coordinator to improve the camp’s environment and ensure it is both decent and secure.
Governor Otti who emphasized his administration’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of its residents, stated that everyone living and serving in Abia is considered an Abian.
While noting that state allowances were non-existent during his own time as a corps member, the Governor promised to review this matter.
“I have taken note of all the points you raised including the five thousand youth corps members, office accommodation, the challenge of fencing the camp, Ambulance, the Coordinator’s residence and of course state allowance.
“We are are going to look at it. I’ve taken note of all”, Otti said.
Earlier, Barr. (Mrs.) Adama reported that over 5,000 corps members are deployed in various sectors across the state, but regretted the dilapidated condition of the NYSC camp and its facilities.
Barr. Adams, highlighted the poor state of the coordinator’s residence, the fallen fence, the ruined football pitch, and the cracks and leaks throughout the camp.
She appealed to the state government to consider the payment of a state allowance for corps members serving in the state as a way to boost their morale, noting that Abia is one of the few states that does not provide such allowances.
