NEWS
NYSC DG, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu Hails Otti Over Peaceful Environment for Corps Members in Abia
…says “Any State Where You Find More Female Corps Members… Means There Is Peace”
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, for creating a peaceful, secure 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 His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti at his office in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The NYSC helmsman disclosed that a total of 8,890 corps members are currently serving in various parts of Abia State, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males.
According to him, the predominance of female corps members among those deployed to the state is a strong reflection of the prevailing peace and security in Abia, noting that the NYSC takes security considerations seriously when deploying corps members.
“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,” Brig. Gen. Nafiu said.
He explained that the NYSC does not deploy corps members to locations considered unsafe, stressing that the deployment of corps members to all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia was a significant indication of the confidence placed in the security situation in the state.
The NYSC DG also praised Governor Otti for the ongoing renovation and infrastructural improvements at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.
He particularly highlighted the renovation of hostels and the multipurpose hall, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, describing the projects as important investments in the welfare, safety and comfort of corps members undergoing orientation in the state.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu equally appreciated the Governor for increasing the state allowance paid to corps members, saying the gesture had generated excitement among corps members and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to supporting young Nigerians contributing to national development.
The NYSC DG further commended Abia for providing an environment that attracts medical personnel serving under the scheme. He revealed that the state currently has 53 doctors, 53 pharmacists and 117 nurses serving in different locations, in addition to other medical professionals.
He said the willingness of medical corps members to serve in Abia further demonstrated the growing perception of the state as a safe and conducive destination for national service.
Nafiu expressed optimism that the second phase of renovation works at the NYSC Orientation Camp would commence soon and be delivered to the same standard as the first phase.
Responding, Governor Otti directed the immediate commencement of the second phase of renovation and infrastructural interventions at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna.
The Governor explained that his administration had already undertaken the first phase of renovation and construction works at the camp and had approved the next phase as part of its broader commitment to improving public infrastructure and supporting institutions operating in the state.
“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 over the presence of more than 340 healthcare professionals serving under the NYSC in Abia, describing healthcare as a major priority of his administration.
“It’s an area that is so important to us. If you spend a little bit more time, you would notice that we have fixed about 200 primary health care centres.
“We also have another 77 that was fixed by the World Bank. And as at Monday, we have functionalised 151 of them. So there are 49 more that are ready to start operation.
“The minimum standard is that every primary health care centre must have some professionals. And if we don’t get those professionals, we don’t start.
“We wanted to hire 861 healthcare professionals. We got only 605.
“So I just authorised the Civil Service Commission to now go back and re-advertise, because we have a gap of over 200 people.
“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.
“So I’m happy, and I would like that even more people should be considered for this place, if it is within your power to do in the next batch.
“So, I think the only other thing to say is that we will continue to cooperate with you,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor’s remarks underscored his administration’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery across Abia, particularly through the rehabilitation and functionalisation of primary healthcare centres and the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals.
He further called for continued collaboration between the Abia State Government and the NYSC, particularly in the deployment of medical corps members, noting that their services could help bridge existing manpower gaps in the state’s healthcare system.
The visit provided an opportunity for both the NYSC management and the Abia State Government to reaffirm their commitment to improving the welfare of corps members and deepening cooperation in areas of healthcare, youth development, infrastructure and national service.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, and other go
vernment officials were also present during the visit.