The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and development of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, describing the scheme as a vital platform for grooming future leaders.

Governor Alex Otti made the commitment on Friday while declaring open the 2026 Batch B Stream II orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mrs. Jane Igwe, the governor assured the newly sworn-in corps members that their welfare and security remain a priority of his administration.

He said the state had continued to record progress in key sectors, including road infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and security, while undertaking major improvements at the NYSC orientation camp.

According to Otti, the government has reconstructed the camp's internal road network to address erosion challenges and is implementing additional projects to improve the living conditions of corps members.

The projects include the renovation of officials' quarters, rehabilitation of the camp clinic and kitchen, improved water supply and the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights.

The governor also encouraged corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that the state's investments in digital innovation, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the TechRise initiative were aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the global digital economy.

"I urge you, as young graduates, to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme because our investments in digital innovation, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the TechRise initiative were designed to prepare youths for opportunities in the emerging global economy," he said.

Otti further announced the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the approved state allowance for corps members.

He also directed all local government chairmen to establish NYSC Local Government Committees in line with the provisions of the NYSC Act to strengthen welfare delivery and support community development projects across the state.

The governor assured corps members that Abia remains committed to equal opportunities for all, stating that discriminatory practices based on state of origin have been abolished.

Earlier, the Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that the orientation exercise, which began on August 5, had successfully registered 1,526 corps members by the official registration deadline.

According to him, the registered participants comprise 689 males and 875 females drawn from different parts of the country.

Tanimu described the NYSC deployment policy as one of Nigeria's strongest tools for promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

He commended Governor Otti for his continued support for the scheme, particularly the funding of camp feeding, approval for the second phase of the orientation camp's renovation and the provision of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.

The state coordinator also appealed to local government councils, traditional rulers, corporate organisations and community leaders to support corps members' Community Development Service (CDS) projects.

He equally appreciated the security agencies and the media for their sustained partnership in ensuring successful orientation exercises and promoting the objectives of the NYSC.

The ceremony featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance on the corps members by Hon. Justice Chijioke, who represented the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Abai.