The Abia State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare and development of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, unveiling a series of infrastructure, welfare and entrepreneurship initiatives during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch B Stream II corps members.

Governor Alex Otti made the commitment on Friday while officially declaring the orientation course open at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

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

He said the state has recorded notable progress in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and security, while also carrying out major improvements at the orientation camp.

According to Otti, the internal road network at the camp has been reconstructed to address erosion challenges, with additional projects planned to further improve living conditions for corps members.

The planned upgrades include the renovation of officials' quarters, rehabilitation of the camp clinic and kitchen, improved water supply and the installation of additional solar-powered streetlights.

The governor encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that the state's investments in digital innovation, software engineering, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and the TechRise initiative are aimed at preparing young people for opportunities in the global digital economy.

He also announced the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks delaying the payment of the approved state allowance for corps members.

In addition, Otti directed all local government chairmen in the state to establish NYSC Local Government Committees in line with the NYSC Act to strengthen welfare delivery and support community development projects at the grassroots.

The governor further assured the corps members that Abia remains committed to equal opportunities, stating that the government has abolished discriminatory practices based on state of origin.

"In Abia, we have abolished discriminatory practices based on state of origin and assure you of equal opportunities to live, work and thrive in the state beyond the service year," he said.

Earlier, the Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that the orientation exercise, which commenced on August 5, successfully registered 1,526 corps members before the official registration deadline.

According to him, the scheme remains one of Nigeria's strongest platforms for promoting national unity by bringing together graduates from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.

He said a total of 1,526 corps members, comprising 689 males and 875 females, completed registration and took the Oath of Allegiance during the ceremony.

Tanimu commended Governor Otti for his continued support for the NYSC, citing the funding of camp feeding, approval for the second phase of the renovation of the permanent orientation camp and the provision of furniture for the new NYSC Secretariat in Umuahia.

He also appealed to local government councils, traditional rulers, corporate organisations and community leaders to support corps members in implementing their Community Development Service (CDS) projects.

The state coordinator further appreciated the security agencies and the media for their continued collaboration in ensuring the success of the orientation exercise and advancing the objectives of the NYSC scheme across the country.

The ceremony also featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the corps members by Hon. Justice Chijioke, who represented the Chief Judge of Abia State, Hon. Justice Abai.