GOVERNOR OTTI INCREASES NYSC ALLOWANCES BY 1,150% AFTER 27 YEARS, IMPLEMENTS CONHESS FOR HEALTH WORKERS IN ABIA

In a landmark decision that has sparked excitement across Abia State, Governor Alex Otti, OFR, has approved a massive increase in monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, from ₦4,000 to as high as ₦50,000.

In addition to the Federal Government’s monthly allowance of ₦77,000, Corps Members serving in Abia will now receive a base state allowance of ₦20,000. Those deployed to state government establishments will earn an extra ₦10,000, while teaching and medical Corps Members will receive an additional ₦30,000. This strategic differential aims to attract and retain young professionals in critical sectors like education and healthcare, helping to close long-standing human resource gaps.

This marks the first major adjustment to the NYSC allowance in nearly three decades, a move that underscores Governor Otti’s commitment to youth empowerment, skill development, and workforce revitalization in Abia State.

Beyond the pay rise, Governor Otti’s administration has invested heavily in improving the welfare and working conditions of Corps Members. The State Government has renovated the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende LGA, upgraded internal roads, installed new power infrastructure, and refurbished buildings, transforming the facility into one of the best in the country. Despite being a Federal Government property, the Governor maintains that every institution within Abia deserves attention, as the ultimate beneficiaries are Abians themselves.

Governor Otti’s leadership philosophy reflects a deep belief that taxation represents the government’s share of the prosperity it helps to create, and that investing in human talent is the surest way to sustain that prosperity. Corps Members, he emphasized, have been instrumental in Abia’s development across various sectors including law, engineering, medicine, and education.

An inspiring example is that of Mr. Benson Ojeikere, a former Corps Member from Edo State who served in Abia, was retained after his service year, and eventually rose to become the State’s Head of Service, a testament to the administration’s focus on merit, talent, and opportunity.

Governor Otti’s recent decisions send a powerful message that Abia is serious about rewarding excellence, empowering youth, and building a future where service is valued and respected.

Earlier this year, the Otti-led administration also implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers across Abia, extending the same to those in Local Government Areas. This bold policy move ensures that Abia’s healthcare professionals now enjoy pay parity with their federal counterparts, a major boost to motivation and retention across the health sector.

These interventions are part of the Governor’s broader vision to strengthen institutional capacity, particularly in health and education, which together account for over 35% of the state’s annual budget. By aligning salaries, upgrading facilities, and investing in human capital, the administration is laying the foundation for a world-class public service that will serve generations to come.