Abia abolishes discriminatory practices against corps members

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Government said it has abolished discriminatory practices against Corps members based on state of origin, assuring every NYSC member of equal opportunities to live, work and thrive in the state beyond the service year.

This was disclosed by Governor Alex Otti during the swearing in ceremony of corps members posted to the state, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

Otti announced the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the approved state allowance for corps members and directed all local government chairmen to constitute NYSC Local Government Committees in line with the NYSC Act to strengthen welfare delivery and grassroots support for community development projects.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Mrs Jane Igwe, Otti assured the corps members that their welfare and security remain a top priority of the administration.

He said the state had recorded significant improvements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and security while executing major upgrades at the orientation camp, including the reconstruction of its internal road network to tackle erosion challenges.

He disclosed that additional projects such as the renovation of officials’ quarters, rehabilitation of the camp clinic and kitchen, improved water supply and installation of more solar powered street lights would further enhance the living conditions of corps members.

The governor also urged the young graduates to embrace the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme, noting that the state’s investments in digital innovation, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the TechRise initiative were designed to prepare youths for opportunities in the emerging global economy.

The Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Alhaji Yunusa Tanimu had earlier informed that the orientation exercise, which commenced on August 5, had successfully registered 1,526 corps members by the official cut-off date.

He described the deployment policy of the scheme as one of Nigeria’s strongest instruments for promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

Tanimu commended Governor Otti for sustained support to the scheme, including funding for camp feeding, approval for the second phase of renovation of the permanent orientation camp and the delivery of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.

Justice O.A Chijioke, who represented the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Lilian Abai administered the Oath of Allegiance on a total of 1,546 corps members, comprising 689 males and 875 females.