Umunna: Gov. Alex Otti has directed the relevant officials to remove all administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the recently approved allowance for corps members deployed in the state. The governor also instructed the local government chairmen to immediately establish National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Local Government Committees to provide welfare and support community development projects initiated by corps members.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Otti had in November 2025 raised the monthly state allowance for corps members from N4,000 to N50,000. When combined with the federal allowance of N77,000, a corps member in the state would receive at least N127,000 monthly, depending on their place of primary assignment. Otti, represented by Mrs. Jane Igwe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, also pledged improved welfare, security, and upgrades of the facilities at the NYSC camp in Umuanna, Bende.
The governor highlighted that Abia is undergoing transformation in infrastructure, health, education, technology, and security, urging the corps members to join the rebuilding process. He described the one-year NYSC programme as an opportunity to contribute to nation-building and develop leadership skills. He encouraged the corps members to serve with enthusiasm, discipline, integrity, and a genuine desire to make an impact.
He listed the camp facilities upgraded so far, including reconstructed internal roads to address erosion issues. Renovation of official quarters, camp clinic, kitchen, solar streetlights, and improved water supply are ongoing. Otti stated that his administration had invested heavily in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and ICT through initiatives such as TechRise. He urged the corps members to participate actively in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
Otti assured that every corps member serving in Abia would receive the necessary support. He emphasized that the 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, inviting corps members to make Abia their home even beyond their service year.
In his address, NYSC Abia Coordinator, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, acknowledged the enthusiasm, discipline, and adaptability shown by corps members since their arrival. Tanimu thanked Otti for his support to the scheme, including resources for camp feeding and renovation. He also recognized the delivery of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat Complex in Umuahia.
The coordinator appealed to local government councils, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to support corps members’ Community Development Service (CDS) projects, stressing that CDS remains one of the most impactful aspects of the NYSC. The 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 orientation course will feature physical drills, lectures, entrepreneurship training, sports, and cultural activities among others.