………Assures of Jobs, Safety and Opportunities in Abia.
FIC Report (Abia State) – Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has charged members of the 2026 Batch A, Stream 1 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to embrace service as the surest pathway to leadership, fulfilment and enduring success, assuring them of safety, support and opportunities for career growth in the state.
The Governor gave the charge at the official opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A, Stream 1 orientation course, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna, in Bende Local Government Area.
Describing service as a “seed that guarantees lasting rewards,” Governor Otti urged the corps members to make the most of the next 12 months, stressing that leadership is impossible without empathy, diligence and a genuine willingness to serve.
You will be shortchanging yourself if you fail to make the most of the opportunities that the National Youth Service Programme offers.
“The true essence of the programme is to expose you to the great promise that Nigeria holds by using the vehicle of service.
“So, wherever you find yourself, all that is expected of you is to serve with devotion and a genuine sense of patriotism.
“So, wherever you find yourself, all that is expected of you is to serve with devotion and a genuine sense of patriotism.
“It does not matter where you are posted — School, Medical Facility, Judiciary or an Administrative Office, we only have one job at any of these places, which is to perform your duties with diligence and contribute robustly to the holistic development of our dear State.
“The ball is clearly in your court, so I will encourage you to work diligently to leave a lasting impression on the minds and hearts of the people you are going to encounter, starting from this orientation camp and when eventually you are posted to your places of primary assignment”, the Governor charged.
He encouraged them to discard fear, bias and uncertainty, noting that the true essence of the NYSC scheme is to expose young Nigerians to the nation’s vast potential through patriotic service.
“Wherever you are posted,whether to a school, hospital, court or administrative office,your duty is the same: serve with diligence and contribute meaningfully to the holistic development of Abia State,” the Governor said.
Welcoming the corps members to Abia, Governor Otti assured them that his administration would do everything possible to make their service year worthwhile. He expressed optimism that many would choose to remain in the state after their service to build careers, businesses and families, noting that Abia is deliberately being positioned to attract and retain top talents.
According to him, the state’s heavy investment in social infrastructure over the past 32 months reflects its commitment to human capital development. “The true wealth of any society lies in the quality of its people,” he said, adding that Abia is building systems tailored to the aspirations of young professionals, innovators and upwardly mobile families.
The Governor also reiterated Abia’s long-standing tradition of offering automatic employment to outstanding corps members, citing the Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, as one of several beneficiaries of the practice. He emphasized that performance, value addition and effectiveness, not state of origin,remain the criteria for such opportunities.
“Our eyes will be on you in your places of primary assignment. Those who distinguish themselves will be absorbed into relevant public sector establishments,” he assured, urging the corps members to leave positive and lasting impressions wherever they are deployed.
Governor Otti commended the NYSC leadership in Abia, led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Gladys Adama, for their commitment to the welfare, safety and integration of corps members. He reaffirmed the government’s continuous support for the scheme, noting that the retrofitting and upgrading of facilities at the Umunna camp were among his administration’s earliest interventions.
He also disclosed that the state government has reviewed upwards the monthly stipends for corps members serving in Abia, with additional incentives for those posted to public health and educational institutions. This, he said, has made Abia an increasingly attractive destination for graduates nationwide.
Highlighting the state’s peaceful environment, Governor Otti described Abia as one of the safest destinations in Nigeria, assuring corps members of decent accommodation and a welcoming host community wherever they are posted. He encouraged them to integrate with local communities and take advantage of the state’s widespread development footprint.
The Governor further announced the launch of multiple human capital development programmes targeting youth in ICT, entrepreneurship and agriculture, urging corps members to enroll and acquire relevant skills in preparation for life after service.
While expressing confidence in the corps members’ potential, Governor Otti cautioned against indiscipline, reckless behaviour and choices that could jeopardize their future. He urged them to be law-abiding, responsible and worthy role models, especially to younger students who look up to them.
As he formally declared the 2026 Batch A, Stream 1 NYSC orientation programme open, the Governor reminded the corps members that greatness is built through service.
“You have a golden opportunity to etch your names in the hearts of those you will serve. Be excellent ambassadors of the NYSC. Do not fail the young ones who look up to you, do not fail Abia, and do not fail yourselves,” he concluded.
In her address earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Barr. Mrs Gladys Adama while congratulating them on their academic achievements, emphasised the importance of the orientation course in providing essential skills and values for their service year.
Barr Adama disclosed that a total of 1,820 Corps Members, comprising of 804 males, and 1,016 females have been registered for the batch A Stream 1 scheme and advised them to remain focused and participate throughout the orientation exercise.
The NYSC State Coordinator thanked Governor for his support, which includes rehabilitation of the NYSC camp, installation of solar-powered street lights, augmented feeding, and an increase in the State allowance for Corps Members.
She, however, highlighted several challenges for the Governor’s attention including the need to complete the phase 2 of the camp rehabilitation among others.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba who also serves as the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, congratulated the Corps Members on their graduation and urged them to take the orientation course seriously, as it is the foundation for their service year.
Sir Ananaba encouraged the Corps Members to excel in their Community Development Services (CDS) noting that the State Government rewards outstanding contributions.
He thanked the Governor for supporting the NYSC and increasing Corps Members’ allowances.
Highpoints of the swearing in ceremony was the administration of oath of allegiance on the 2026 Batch A Stream 1 Corps Members by the Chief Justice of Abia State Justice Lilian Abai represented by Justice Chizaram Anyim.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
January 23,2026
