Summary
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has endorsed a full renovation and modernisation of infrastructure at the NYSC Orientation Camp located in the state.
The governor granted the approval on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
Governor Fubara described Rivers State as a calm and welcoming environment, noting that he was not surprised by reports showing that numerous graduates and parents now prefer the state as their posting destination for national service.
According to him, the tranquillity enjoyed across the state is a direct reflection of the government’s fundamental responsibility to safeguard lives and property while ensuring the provision of essential public services.
Governor Fubara instructed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benino Anabraba, to visit the orientation camp, evaluate the specific needs, and submit a detailed implementation report for immediate execution.
He further assured that the state would allocate office accommodation for the newly created NYSC regional office. He also hinted at plans to either relocate or redesign the current NYSC State Secretariat, describing the structure as inadequate for present needs.
During the visit, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, explained that he was in Rivers State as part of his nationwide inspection of orientation camps.
He revealed that 2,586 corps members were presently undergoing the 2025 Batch C orientation programme in Rivers State, placing the state as the fourth most preferred deployment location in the country.
The DG also noted that a total of 8,349 Rivers State indigenes were deployed for national service across different parts of Nigeria.
He emphasised the significant contribution corps members make to national growth, pointing out that if their efforts were monetised at full salary value, their service would save the state up to ₦15 billion annually.
Brigadier General Nafiu expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the state’s continuous backing, citing the allocation of land for the State Coordinator’s residence and the government’s commitment to improving orientation camp facilities.
He also appealed for the re-establishment of the state and local government NYSC governing boards. Additionally, he requested the relocation of the NYSC office currently situated in the crowded Mile 2 Diobu market area, describing it as unsuitable for administrative activities.
The DG highlighted the sustained expansion of the NYSC since its inception in 1973/74 with 2,764 corps members. He disclosed that the scheme now hosts over 400,000 participants nationwide.
He concluded by stating that more than 650,000 graduates are eligible for mobilisation in the 2026 service year, stressing that Nigeria must expand NYSC facilities nationwide to accommodate the growing demand.
What you should know
The Rivers State Government has committed to upgrading the NYSC Orientation Camp and improving facilities to match the programme’s increasing nationwide participation.
Governor Fubara pledged new infrastructure, office spaces, and possible relocation of the state NYSC secretariat.
The NYSC DG also confirmed that Rivers State remains one of the most preferred posting destinations and applauded the state’s active support for corps members and administrators.
