Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the upgrade and renovation of facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.
Fubara disclosed this on Wednesday during a working visit by the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, to Government House, Port Harcourt.
The governor described Rivers State as “peaceful and hospitable,” noting that the state’s security and welcoming nature have made it a preferred destination for corps members and their parents.
“Rivers State is a very hospitable state. We have a very wonderful nature; we accommodate. And the truth is that we are also a peaceful people. So, I am not surprised when you talked about the surge in people wanting and struggling to come to Rivers State.
“And when parents are also very happy that their children are coming to Rivers State because of our spirit of accommodation,” Fubara stated.
He added that the government’s primary responsibility is to protect lives, safeguard property, and provide basic amenities, stressing that the state has fulfilled these duties.
“That is the basic function of government; everything else is secondary. And we are doing what we should do as a government,” he added.
The governor directed the Secretary of the State Government, Dr Benino Anabraba, to assess the scope of work required at the camp and submit a report for immediate action.
He also assured that the state would provide office space for the newly established NYSC regional office and consider relocating or renovating the State Secretariat, which he described as no longer befitting.
Brigadier General Nafiu, who is touring orientation camps nationwide, said 2,586 corps members are currently undergoing the 2025 Batch C programme in Rivers State, making it the fourth most preferred deployment destination in the country.
He added that 8,349 indigenes of Rivers State are serving in various states.
Highlighting the contributions of corps members to national development, Nafiu said their service saves the state up to ₦15 billion annually if valued at full salary rates.
Nafiu also requested the reconstitution of the state and local government NYSC governing boards and the relocation of the NYSC office currently in the congested Mile 2 market, Diobu.
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