The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has applauded Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for approving major upgrades to the state’s NYSC Orientation Camp, describing the decision as a significant boost to corps members’ welfare, security, and overall service experience in the state.
The DG, who spoke during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt as part of his South-South tour for the 2025 Batch C orientation activities, said Rivers State remains one of the most preferred destinations for corps members nationwide due to its hospitality, peaceful environment, and government investment in youth development.
According to him, the ongoing orientation exercise, which commenced last Wednesday across the federation, has 2,586 corps members currently undergoing training in Rivers State. This makes the state the fourth most preferred posting location in Nigeria after Lagos, the FCT, and Oyo State.
He said the figure reflects the confidence young people have in the state, as well as the assurance parents and guardians feel when their children are deployed to Rivers. He added that the NYSC has continued to post doctors, lawyers, teachers, and graduates from universities, polytechnics, and monotechnics to various sectors in the state, contributing immensely to its socio-economic development.
The NYSC DG further revealed that the presence of corps members saves Rivers State up to N15 billion annually when compared to what the government would have spent hiring full-time professionals to deliver the same services. He said this financial value, combined with the human capital contributions of corps members, makes their presence a major asset to the state.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for allocating land for the construction of a new residence for the NYSC State Coordinator and for ongoing plans to renovate accommodation facilities, hostels, the camp clinic, and other infrastructure at the Rivers Orientation Camp. He noted that the state already boasts one of the best orientation camp auditoriums in Nigeria and that the planned upgrades will further elevate the camp’s national ranking.
The DG also appealed for the full constitution of the NYSC State Governing Board and the inauguration of Local Government NYSC Committees, as required by the NYSC Act, to strengthen the scheme’s operations at the state and grassroots levels. He commended the Secretary to the State Government, whom he described as one of the most dedicated NYSC governing board chairmen in the country.
Responding, Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the NYSC, saying government owes it a duty to ensure corps members feel safe, welcomed, and motivated while serving in Rivers State.
He noted that although NYSC is a federal agency, the beneficiaries of its services—especially teachers, health workers, and other professionals—are mostly Rivers people, making it necessary for the state to invest in the scheme.
Governor Fubara said the state’s peaceful nature and culture of hospitality explain why corps members increasingly prefer to serve in Rivers State. He acknowledged that many corps members receive multiple allowances, including federal allowance, state allowance, and additional support from their places of primary assignment, and assured that his administration will continue to maintain such standards to encourage them.
Speaking on infrastructure, the governor confirmed that work has started on securing and establishing a befitting Regional NYSC Office recently allocated to Rivers State. He described the allocation as a “special honour” and assured that the state will provide a conducive environment for the regional office to function effectively.
Fubara also noted that the current NYSC Secretariat in the state is overstretched and no longer suitable for the increasing administrative load. He promised that the state would provide a more spacious and functional office for the scheme.
On camp upgrades, he directed the Secretary to the State Government to begin scoping and implementing all required repairs and expansion works to meet the NYSC’s projected needs for the next service year.
Governor Fubara concluded by assuring the DG that the state will continue to collaborate with the NYSC to ensure that corps welfare, security, and service delivery remain top priorities throughout his tenure
