Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has assured that corps members who distinguish themselves during their service year in the state will continue to enjoy automatic employment.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members deployed to Abia State, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mrs Jane Igwe, the governor said the gesture was part of efforts to reward excellence and strengthen human capital development.
He said, “Our State has a long tradition of offering automatic employment to corps members who excel in their service year. Your case will not be different.”
The governor added that his administration remains committed to building a state that attracts and retains talent, noting that human capital remains Abia’s greatest asset.
“One thing I can immediately assure you is that this government shall do everything within our powers to make your time in the state meaningful,” he said.
Otti also urged members of the National Youth Service Corps to shun indiscipline and reckless behaviour, warning that such actions could have long-term consequences on their future.
“As a government, we shall regularly support the NYSC team to effectively cater for the well-being of every corps member posted to Abia,” Otti said.
Otti cautioned the corps members against “reckless behaviour, indiscipline and bad choices,” stressing the need for them to remain law-abiding and focused throughout their service year.
“You must guard against the attractions of reckless behaviour and indiscipline as the long-term harm may be irreversible,” he warned.
He described Abia as a safe destination for national service, urging corps members not to entertain fear or seek special postings elsewhere.
“Abia is one of the safest destinations in Nigeria. You are therefore encouraged not to entertain any anxiety or lobby to be posted to any special place,” he said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, said the government places high value on excellence and community development.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that 1,743 corps members, comprising 753 males and 990 females, were registered for the orientation course.
He expressed appreciation to the state government for its support, particularly in improving camp facilities, enhancing security, and relocating the NYSC secretariat in Umuahia to a more conducive environment.
However, he appealed for further intervention, including a functional ambulance, rehabilitation of camp facilities, and upgrading of the camp clinic to meet the health needs of corps members.
The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Lilian Abai, represented by Hon Justice Collington Okoroafor.
