Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has directed the immediate commencement of comprehensive renovation, remodelling and upgrading works at the permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Obubra to improve facilities and enhance the welfare of corps members and camp officials.
Governor Otu, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection tour of the temporary NYSC orientation camp at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa.
The Governor explained that the temporary relocation of the orientation camp from Obubra to Akamkpa was necessary to allow for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the permanent facility, which is due for its first major upgrade since its establishment.
He said the planned intervention would improve infrastructure and provide a more conducive environment for corps members and NYSC officials during orientation exercises.
“The temporary relocation of the orientation camp to Akamkpa is necessary to enable us to undertake comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the permanent facility in Obubra. Work will commence immediately to improve the camp and enhance the comfort of corps members and officials,” Otu said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development and institutional improvement, noting that providing suitable facilities for young Nigerians undertaking their national service remained an important responsibility of the state government.
In her remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Joke Oyenuga, commended Governor Otu for approving the temporary relocation and supporting the planned renovation of the permanent camp.
“We appreciate Governor Otu for approving the relocation of the orientation camp to UEE, Akamkpa, and for his commitment to the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the permanent facility in Obubra. The improvements will help provide a more conducive environment for corps members and NYSC officials,” Oyenuga said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Director, Corps Inspection and Monitoring, NYSC, Cross River State, disclosed that an average of 2,000 corps members are deployed to the state. He expressed satisfaction with the facilities at UEE, Akamkpa, which will host the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II orientation exercise scheduled to commence on November 4.
He, however, appealed to the state government to improve the temporary camp’s facilities to meet NYSC standards and ensure the comfort of corps members. He also called for the timely completion of the renovation works at Obubra.
The inspection tour was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom-Odum Ukam; Calabar Zonal Inspector, Mr Tony Odey; and the Vice-Chancellor of UEE, Prof. Patrick Asuquo, who conducted the delegation around the facilities.
The planned rehabilitation of the Obubra camp is expected to improve facilities for future orientation exercises, while the temporary arrangement at Akamkpa will enable the state to continue hosting corps members during the renovation period.
Also in company of the Governo’s delegation were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Commissioner for Youths and Skills Acquisition, Barr. Ijom Ukam, among others.
By Ukongikwen Adie
