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.
He added, “We agree that this agency is a federal agency. But who are the people closest to these facilities? They are Rivers State people. So it is also on us to ensure that we do whatever we can to put these places in order and make them comfortable for both our people and the visitors.
“So, I can assure you that the complaints you have raised—particularly the need to expand the facility in line with your projection for next year—have been noted. Secretary to the State Government, please take note of that.
“The few repairs that were also mentioned, and other things that need to be sorted out, should be scoped properly and brought to my attention.”
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.
“With this figure, Rivers is the fourth destination across the country with the highest number of corps members, after Lagos, FCT and Oyo.
“It goes to show that corps members are welcomed here. The security of lives and property we have in this state gives confidence to the parents and guardians of corps members posted here,” he said.
Nafiu thanked the governor for providing land for the State Coordinator’s residence and support for improving camp facilities.
He 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.
The DG noted that the NYSC, which began in 1973/74 with 2,764 corps members, now has over 400,000 participants nationwide, with over 650,000 graduates eligible for mobilisation in 2026, underscoring the need to expand facilities across the country.
