NYSC DG Hails Otti Over Peaceful Abia, Says 8,890 Corps Members Serving Across State

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for corps members serving across the state.

Brigadier General Nafiu gave the commendation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when he led a delegation of the NYSC management on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office.

The NYSC boss disclosed that 8,890 corps members are currently serving in Abia State, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males.

According to him, the higher number of female corps members serving in the state is a significant indicator of the prevailing peace and security in Abia.

“To us in NYSC, especially at the management level, any State where you find more female corps members than male, it speaks to something, and that is that there is peace,” Brigadier-General Nafiu stated.

He explained that the NYSC does not deploy corps members to areas considered unsafe, stressing that corps members have been deployed to all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The DG noted that this is unlike some states where security concerns have made it impossible for the NYSC to deploy corps members to certain locations.

NYSC Camp Renovation Gets Fresh Boost

Brigadier General Nafiu also applauded the Otti administration for the ongoing renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

He specifically commended the renovation of the hostels and multipurpose hall, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, describing the interventions as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and experience of corps members serving in the state.

He equally appreciated Governor Otti for the upward review of the state allowance for corps members, noting that the decision has generated considerable excitement among corps members.

The NYSC DG expressed optimism that the second phase of the camp’s renovation would commence soon and be executed to the same standard as the first phase.

Abia Attracting More Medical Corps Members

Brigadier General Nafiu further highlighted Abia’s growing appeal as a destination for medical corps members.

He disclosed that the state currently has 53 doctors, 53 pharmacists and 117 nurses, alongside other medical personnel serving under the NYSC scheme.

He said the willingness of medical professionals to serve in Abia is another indication that the state is increasingly being regarded as a safe and conducive environment for national service.

Otti Approves Second Phase of NYSC Camp Renovation

Responding to the NYSC delegation, Governor Otti directed the immediate commencement of the second phase of renovation and infrastructural interventions at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna.

The Governor said his administration had already completed substantial work under the first phase and had approved the next phase of the project.

“And I’m glad with the progress that we have made, though we are not there yet. So, work will start very soon. I already have approved it,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti also expressed satisfaction with the number of healthcare professionals currently serving in Abia through the NYSC programme, noting that their presence could help address some of the manpower gaps in the state’s healthcare system.

He disclosed that his administration had revitalised about 200 primary healthcare centres, while another 77 were renovated through World Bank support. According to him, 151 of the facilities had been functionalised as of Monday, with another 49 ready to commence operations.

The Governor explained that his administration had sought to recruit 861 healthcare professionals but received only 605 successful applicants, leaving a significant manpower gap.

He said the availability of NYSC doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals could provide temporary support while the state works to bridge the gap through permanent recruitment.

“So, with this number of NYSC healthcare professionals, we may not be looking for that number, but of course, it’s short term, because after a year they will leave. But at least they will fill the gap,” Otti said.

Governor Otti consequently appealed to the NYSC management to consider deploying more healthcare professionals to Abia in subsequent batches, stressing that healthcare remains a major priority of his administration.

He assured the NYSC leadership of the state government’s continued cooperation and support.

The visit further underscored the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and the NYSC, particularly in the areas of youth development, healthcare delivery, infrastructure and the welfare of corps members serving in the state.