The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of renovation work at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Abia State, describing the facility as significantly improved compared with his previous visit.

Nafiu spoke to journalists on Wednesday during an official visit to the 2026 Batch B Stream 2 Orientation Exercise in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area of the state.

He disclosed that the first phase of the renovation had been completed, with the camp awaiting the commencement of the second phase.

“I visited the corps members to assess first-hand the progress of the 2026 Batch B Stream 2 orientation exercise that is ongoing. The last time I came here, the facilities were in a terrible state. But today, at least Phase 1 of the renovation exercise has been concluded,” he said.

The NYSC DG also highlighted the contributions of corps members deployed to Abia State to the socio-economic development of the state, particularly in the health, education and engineering sectors.

He said the corps members were not only in the state to serve but also to integrate into their host communities, promote national unity and cultural cohesion, and learn from the people of Abia.

“These people are here to serve the nation. They are here to integrate into society and foster national unity and cultural cohesion. They are here to learn from the people of Abia State,” he stated.

Nafiu disclosed that more than 53 doctors and 112 nurses under the NYSC scheme were currently serving in Abia State, alongside corps members working as teachers and engineers.

He said the corps members would gain knowledge from the culture and experiences of their host communities while contributing to the development of the state.

“They are going to learn from the culture of the people. They are going to take things home. They are going to contribute to the development of Abia State,” he added.

The NYSC boss urged corps members to be good ambassadors by respecting the culture and values of the people of Abia State.

He also appealed to residents to warmly receive the corps members and regard them as members of their communities.

“My charge to them is that they should be good guests. Respect the culture, the values of the people of Abia State. And my request to the people of Abia State is to see these people as their own children, their brothers and sisters. Welcome them, receive them with open arms,” he said.

Nafiu stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the NYSC and the state government to maximise the benefits of the scheme.

On additional areas requiring government intervention, he said he would present further requests during his scheduled meeting with the Governor of Abia State.

“His Excellency has graciously agreed to grant me audience. From here I’m going to have an engagement with His Excellency and will be able to table further requests to him. His Excellency has been responsive, but we will discuss further,” he said.

1,753 Corps Members Registered

The NYSC State Coordinator in Abia, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that 1,753 corps members had registered for the orientation exercise, comprising 760 males and 993 females.

Tanimu described the corps members as disciplined, enthusiastic and adaptable to the regimented nature of activities at the orientation camp.

He said activities such as lectures, parade drills, military manoeuvres, sports, social events and the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme were progressing smoothly, with corps members actively participating.

According to him, the camp clinic is being managed by 12 medical doctors, 19 nurses, 13 pharmacists and 21 other health personnel.

He added that a doctor and a nurse from the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, were also working with the camp medical team to attend to the health needs of the camp community.

On security, Tanimu said the situation around the camp had remained relatively stable.

He explained that the NYSC was collaborating with security and law enforcement agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, access control and general security within and around the camp.

Highlighting some of the improvements recorded since he assumed office, the state coordinator said 251 plastic chairs were procured during the 2026 Batch B Orientation Course, while another 110 chairs were acquired for the ongoing exercise.

He added that the camp entrance and outer walls had been painted and decorated with NYSC inscriptions.

A ramp was also constructed at the multipurpose hall to provide wheelchair access to the stage, in line with the NYSC's policy on inclusivity.