Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has charged members of the 2026 Batch A, Stream 1 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to maximise the opportunities of their service year, warning that failure to do so would amount to shortchanging themselves.
Governor Otti gave the charge on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 1,820 corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, in Bende Local Government Area.
He encouraged the corps members to contribute meaningfully to the overall development of Abia State and urged them to put aside fear and uncertainty about their postings, stressing that the NYSC scheme was designed to expose young Nigerians to the nation’s vast opportunities through selfless service.
The governor highlighted several human capital development initiatives of the Abia State Government, particularly in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), entrepreneurship and agriculture, and advised the corps members to take advantage of the programmes as preparation for life after service.
“You will be shortchanging yourself if you fail to make the most of the opportunities that the National Youth Service Programme offers,” Otti said.
“The true essence of the scheme is to expose you to the great promise that Nigeria holds through the vehicle of service.”
He urged them to serve with devotion and patriotism wherever they are posted, noting that diligence and commitment are required whether they serve in schools, health facilities, the judiciary or administrative offices.
“It does not matter where you are posted. Our expectation is that you perform your duties with diligence and contribute robustly to the holistic development of our dear state,” the governor added.
Governor Otti further disclosed that Abia State maintains a tradition of offering automatic employment to corps members who distinguish themselves during their service year. He cited the current Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojiehkere, an indigene of Edo State, as an example.
“One philosophy that sets us apart in Abia is that we are interested in your capacity to add value and function effectively, not where your grandparents come from,” he said.
The governor commended the NYSC leadership in the state, particularly the State Coordinator, Mrs. Gladys Adama, for their commitment to the welfare and safety of corps members, and pledged the state government’s continued support for the scheme.
He also announced plans to commence the second phase of rehabilitation works at the orientation camp, including the completion of internal roads, fencing, pavilion projects and rehabilitation of the parade ground.
Earlier in her address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Barrister Mrs. Gladys Adama, congratulated the corps members on their academic achievements and emphasised the importance of the orientation course in equipping them with essential skills and values for the service year.
She disclosed that a total of 1,820 corps members—comprising 804 males and 1,016 females—were registered for the Batch A Stream 1 orientation exercise, and urged them to remain focused and actively participate throughout the programme.
Barrister Adama thanked Governor Otti for his support to the NYSC, including the rehabilitation of the orientation camp, installation of solar-powered streetlights, improved feeding and increased state allowance for corps members. She, however, drew attention to the need for the completion of the second phase of camp rehabilitation.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, congratulated the corps members on their graduation and urged them to take the orientation course seriously, describing it as the foundation of a successful service year.
He encouraged them to excel in their Community Development Service projects, noting that the Abia State Government rewards outstanding contributions.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the oath of allegiance on the corps members by the Chief Justice of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, who was represented by Justice Chizaram Anyim.
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