Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a state that attracts, nurtures, and retains top talents across Nigeria, urging National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Abia to distinguish themselves for possible automatic employment.
The Governor made this known on Friday, January 23, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of 1,820 corps members of the 2026 Batch “A”, Stream I at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area. The newly inducted corps members comprised 804 males and 1,016 females.
Governor Otti charged the corps members to serve with excellence, dedication, and professionalism, stressing that outstanding performance during their service year could earn them automatic employment in relevant public sector institutions within the state.
According to him, Abia State prioritizes competence, value creation, and effectiveness over ethnic or state of origin, emphasizing that the administration is focused on building a merit-driven system where talent and performance are rewarded.
He described human capital as the most valuable asset of any society and noted that Abia has a strong history of absorbing exceptional corps members into its civil service. The Governor cited the current Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, who joined the Abia civil service as a corps member over two decades ago and rose through the ranks to become the state’s top civil servant, despite being from Edo State.
Governor Otti further explained that the core objective of the NYSC scheme is to expose young Nigerians to national opportunities through service, adding that his administration is developing systems and infrastructure that support young professionals, innovators, and upwardly mobile families.
He pointed to the massive investments in social and public infrastructure across Abia State over the past 32 months as evidence of this vision and encouraged corps members to take full advantage of their service year, assuring them of safety and a conducive environment.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the NYSC scheme, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to commence Phase II of the upgrade of the NYSC Orientation Camp facilities, following the completion of Phase I.
He disclosed that the second phase would include the completion of internal road networks, construction and finishing of the pavilion with ceiling and fans, re-grassing of the parade field, and other improvements aimed at enhancing the welfare of corps members.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, congratulated the corps members on their academic achievements and urged them to strictly adhere to camp rules while taking the orientation course seriously.
He noted that the Otti-led administration places high value on excellence, hard work, and innovation, and consistently recognizes corps members who make meaningful contributions to the state through impactful community development projects. He also appreciated the Governor for increasing corps members’ state allowance and sustaining strong support for the NYSC scheme.
In her address on behalf of the NYSC Director-General, the State Coordinator, Barrister Gladys Adama, described the orientation course as a vital foundation for a successful service year. She highlighted that the program covers skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development, physical training, lectures, sports, and social activities designed to build discipline, teamwork, resilience, and patriotism.
Barrister Adama advised corps members to remain focused, obey all camp regulations, and actively participate in all orientation activities. She also commended Governor Otti for his consistent support, including camp rehabilitation, construction of internal roads, installation of 46 solar-powered street lights, improved feeding, and enhanced state allowance for corps members.
The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Agbai, represented by Justice C. E. Anyim. The Governor also inspected a guard of honour mounted by the corps members upon his arrival.
Several government officials, including the Deputy Chief of Staff, Barrister Chijioke Nwankwo, the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, and other dignitaries, were present at the event.