Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the renovation and upgrade of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp in the state.

The announcement was made during a meeting with the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who was on a working visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.

 

Governor Fubara expressed his pride in the state’s reputation for being peaceful and hospitable, noting that it continues to be a preferred destination for both graduates and their parents for national service. He emphasized that the state’s stability is a reflection of the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while providing essential infrastructure.

 

As part of the approval, Governor Fubara directed the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Dr. Benino Anabraba, to assess the camp’s facilities and submit a report for immediate action. The governor also pledged that the state would offer office space for the newly established NYSC regional office. Additionally, he promised to review the possibility of relocating or remodeling the NYSC State Secretariat, which he acknowledged was no longer adequate for the corps’ operations.

 

Earlier, Brigadier General Nafiu, who is currently touring orientation camps across the country, shared that 2,586 corps members are currently participating in the 2025 Batch C orientation programme in Rivers State, making it the fourth most popular destination for deployment. He also revealed that 8,349 indigenes of Rivers State are serving in various states across the country.

 

The NYSC Director-General highlighted the significant role corps members play in national development, estimating their services save the state approximately ₦15 billion annually if their work were to be valued at full salary rates. Nafiu thanked Governor Fubara for the state’s continued support, including the provision of land for the State Coordinator’s residence and plans to enhance camp facilities.

 

He also made a request for the reconstitution of the state and local government NYSC governing boards and urged the relocation of the NYSC office, currently situated in a congested market area in Mile 2, Diobu. Nafiu noted that the NYSC, which began in 1973/74 with just 2,764 corps members, has now grown to over 400,000 participants. He pointed out that more than 650,000 graduates are expected to qualify for mobilisation in the 2026 service year, underscoring the need for further expansion of NYSC facilities nationwide.

 

Source: Channels