The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC Tuesday concluded its orientation course for 1805 corps members amidst numerous challenges facing it in the Umunna Orientation Camp, in Bende LGA of Abia state.
Crying out to the relevant authorities concerned, including the federal and Abia State Governments on the occasion of the closing ceremony of the 2023 Batch “Bx Stream II corps members deployed to the state held at its orientation camp in Umunna Bende LGA of the state, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Dick-Iruenabere Ufuoma appealed for assistance.
“I would like to appeal to the Government for assistance, not only for our camp but also for the entire NYSC Abia infrastructure. Our camp, which was constructed in 2006 and handed over to NYSC in 2007, is currently grappling with a range of pressing issues.
“These challenges include the persistent threat of erosion, structural problems such as cracked walls and leaky roofs in key buildings and hostels, notably the Ochendo Hostels. Given the gravity of these issues, we find ourselves in urgent need of support to renovate and maintain these facilities.
“Consequently, we kindly implore your administration’s intervention in facilitating the renovation and enhancement of these crucial facilities, ensuring their continued functionality and safety for all”.
Furthermore, the state coordinator lamented, “our camp is plagued by an unreliable electricity supply due to the malfunctioning of our 100 KVA Mikano Diesel Engine Generator. Therefore, we earnestly request the replacement of this generator before the upcoming orientation camp to ensure a seamless and safe camping experience for all participants”
“Additionally, we humbly request your approval for the procurement and installation of solar-powered lighting systems to enhance security within the camp, as the entire premises are plunged into darkness during “lights out” hours, posing a safety risk to all.
“While we deeply appreciate your administration’s assistance in the past, particularly the provision of an ambulance during the last two orientation camps, we would like to make an additional appeal. We kindly request your approval for the provision of a fully functional ambulance dedicated to the NYSC Abia Secretariat. Such a resource would greatly enhance our capacity to respond to emergencies promptly and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of our NYSC members and staff.
“Your support in addressing these crucial matters would undoubtedly contribute to the improved functioning and safety of our camp and the NYSC Abia Secretariat as a whole. We look forward to your positive response to our appeals and remain grateful for your continued commitment to our welfare”, she earnestly pleaded.
She congratulated Gov. Alex Otti, on his first 100 days in office, stating that the state has witnessed unprecedented positive changes even in the NYSC camp and assured him of the full support of the NYSC scheme in state.
In his speech, the state governor, Alex Otti, represented by the commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwobilor Ananaba, admonished the corps members to “conduct yourself in such manner that will not tarnish the image of the scheme” and to go to their places of posting with open minds, ready to impart on the people, adding “The State Government is ever ready to reward corps members who perform well during the service year”, including “automatic employment”.
A total of 1805 Corps members, made up of 778 males and 1027 female participated in the 3 weeks orientation course, while the highpoint of the event was the donation of a brand new wheel Chair to a physically challenged Corps Member, Peter Henry Onyebuchi (AB/23B/1807) by the state Coordinator, Mrs Dick-Iruenabere Ufuoma.