NEWS
Aba North Mayor, Timothy Kalu Iheke Moves to Strengthen NYSC Partnership, Approves Review of Corps Members’ Performance
The Executive Mayor of Aba North Local Government Area, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, has moved to deepen the council’s partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), promising improved welfare, recognition and engagement for corps members serving in the local government.
The Mayor made the commitment on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, when he received the Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, who paid a working visit to the Aba North Local Government Council Headquarters in Eziama-Aba.
Receiving the NYSC Coordinator and his team in his office, Hon. Iheke expressed delight over the visit, recalling his own experience and lessons from the National Youth Service Corps scheme. He stressed the need to restore some of the values and practices that characterised the NYSC in its earlier years, particularly in the areas of discipline, service and meaningful contributions to communities.
The Mayor disclosed that the council would undertake a comprehensive review of the activities and contributions of corps members serving across Aba North, directing the Head of Service to constitute a committee to assess their performances.
According to him, corps members who distinguish themselves through dedication and exceptional service would be identified for possible immediate engagement, creating an opportunity for outstanding young Nigerians to continue contributing to the development of the local government.
Hon. Iheke also announced that the newly built NYSC corps members’ lodge in Aba North is ready for occupation, with corps members expected to begin moving in from Friday.
Beyond accommodation, the Mayor revealed that the council is also working towards providing a recreation centre for corps members, designed to improve their comfort and overall welfare during their service year.
He assured the NYSC leadership that the council would henceforth give corps members serving in Aba North greater attention and ensure that their contributions to the local government are properly recognised.
Earlier, the Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, thanked the Mayor for receiving him and his delegation despite his busy schedule and the relatively short notice of the visit.
Mr. Tanimu, who assumed office as Abia State NYSC Coordinator in April 2026, explained that the visit formed part of efforts to strengthen relationships with critical stakeholders whose support is essential to the success and welfare of corps members across the state.
He noted that the NYSC 2026 Batch C Stream I Orientation Course is scheduled to commence on September 30 and run through October 20, 2026.
The Coordinator explained that his administration had prioritised engagements with local government authorities and other stakeholders because corps members are primarily deployed to serve at the grassroots, where their effectiveness depends significantly on the environment provided by the host local government.
He emphasised that corps members are not merely deployed to local government areas as participants in a national programme, but are expected to contribute meaningfully to development initiatives within their host communities.
Mr. Tanimu commended the Aba North Mayor for his efforts towards providing accommodation for corps members and urged the council to sustain the support.
He also encouraged the Mayor to make arrangements to visit the NYSC orientation camp towards the conclusion of the orientation exercise, noting that such a gesture would help create a positive impression among corps members about their host local government while also supporting motivation and security.
He explained that the NYSC Zonal and Local Government Inspectors would further brief the Mayor on the necessary arrangements.
The State Coordinator further appealed to the council to consider providing stipends for corps members deployed to departments within the local government, stressing the importance of supporting their welfare while they contribute to public service.
Speaking on the administrative structure of the scheme, Mr. Tanimu explained that the NYSC operates from the federal level down to the grassroots, with Local Government Committees constituted at the local government level and chaired by the local government chairman or Mayor.
He noted that the committee draws membership from relevant stakeholders, including security agencies, traditional rulers and other key actors, in line with the provisions/act governing the NYSC.
He also highlighted the Community Development Service (CDS) component of the scheme, through which corps members work directly with communities to identify pressing challenges and develop projects aimed at addressing local needs.
The visit culminated in an inspection tour of the Aba North NYSC Corps Members’ Lodge, where Mayor Iheke personally led the State Coordinator around the facility.
The Mayor was accompanied during the visit by the Deputy Mayor, Hon. Christian Chijioke Ogbuisi; the Aba North Council Head of Service; the Council Treasurer; the Head of Personnel Management; and aides to the Mayor.
The engagement underscored the Aba North Council administration’s renewed focus on corps members’ welfare, structured engagement and the use of the NYSC scheme as a platform for yo
uth development and grassroots service.