By Desire Uzochukwu
The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has raised the alarm over an emerging erosion threat at its Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, calling for urgent intervention to prevent further damage to the facility.
The Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu, made the appeal on Friday during the opening of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I orientation course for corps members deployed to the state.
Tanimu also appealed to the state government to expedite the second phase of the ongoing renovation of the camp, already approved by Governor Alex Otti.
He commended Otti for approving enhanced state allowance for corps members, as well as providing furniture and air conditioners for the NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.
Responding to the concerns, Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the second phase of the camp renovation would cover the course officials’ quarters, clinic, kitchen and other facilities.
The governor also approved the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights at the camp.
Otti said his administration had already renovated the corps members’ hostels, tarred internal roads affected by erosion and equipped the NYSC Secretariat.
He assured the corps members that the government remained committed to their welfare, adding that payment of the enhanced state allowance had commenced.
“My administration remains committed to your welfare and creating an environment where you can serve effectively and contribute meaningfully,” he said.
The governor urged the corps members to abide by their oath of allegiance and take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to acquire skills that would promote self-reliance.
He also directed local government council chairmen to reconstitute NYSC committees in their respective councils to strengthen coordination and support for corps members.
Earlier, Tanimu said the orientation course was designed to instil discipline, teamwork and civic responsibility in the corps members through drills, lectures and other activities.
The oath of allegiance was administered to the corps members by the Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lilian Abai, represented by Justice Benson Anya of the state High Court.
This angle gives the story a stronger public-interest/infrastructure lead, while keeping the governor’s interventions and the orientation-course details flowing naturally.
