Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a full upgrade and renovation of facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.
He gave the approval on Wednesday during a visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, by the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu.
Fubara described Rivers State as “peaceful and hospitable,” noting that the state’s stability and welcoming atmosphere have made it a preferred posting destination for corps members and a source of comfort for their parents.
He said, “Rivers State is a very hospitable state. We accommodate, and we are peaceful people. So I’m not surprised when you talked about the surge in people wanting to come to Rivers State, and parents being happy that their children are deployed here.”
The governor emphasised that the government’s primary duty is to protect citizens, safeguard property, and provide basic amenities, insisting that the state has been fulfilling this responsibility.
He directed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benino Anabraba, to immediately assess the renovation needs at the camp and submit a report for swift action.
Fubara also promised to provide office space for the newly established NYSC regional office and consider relocating or renovating the State Secretariat, which he said was no longer befitting.
He stated that although the NYSC is a federal agency, the facilities directly serve the people of the state, making it necessary for the government to intervene.
“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,” he said.
NYSC DG Nafiu, who is on a nationwide tour of orientation camps, revealed that 2,586 corps members are currently undergoing the 2025 Batch C programme in Rivers, making the state the fourth most preferred deployment location after Lagos, FCT, and Oyo.
He disclosed that 8,349 Rivers indigenes are serving across the country and highlighted how corps members’ services save the state up to ₦15 billion yearly when calculated at full salary value.
Nafiu thanked the governor for his support, including land provided for the State Coordinator’s residence, and requested the reconstitution of NYSC governing boards at the state and local government levels, as well as the relocation of the current office at Mile 2 market, Diobu.
He noted that the scheme, which started in 1973/74 with 2,764 corps members, now has more than 400,000 participants nationwide, with over 650,000 graduates eligible for mobilisation in 2026—underscoring the urgent need for expanded facilities nationwide.
