Cross River State Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development, institutional improvement and the provision of a conducive environment for corps members undertaking their national service in the state.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection tour of facilities at the temporary NYSC orientation camp located at the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa.
Odey explained that the temporary relocation of the orientation camp from Obubra to Akamkpa was necessary to facilitate the comprehensive renovation, remodelling and upgrading of the permanent orientation camp in Obubra.
He disclosed that work on the permanent camp would commence immediately, noting that the planned intervention would constitute the first major upgrade of the facility since its establishment. He added that the project would significantly enhance the welfare and comfort of corps members and NYSC officials during orientation exercises.
In her remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator for Cross River State, Mrs Joke Oyenuga, expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for approving the temporary relocation of the orientation camp from Obubra to UEE, Akamkpa, and demonstrating his commitment to the comprehensive renovation and remodelling of the permanent facility.
She noted that the planned improvements would provide a more conducive environment for corps members and officials, thereby strengthening the state’s support for the NYSC scheme.
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.
However, he appealed to the state government to further 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 renovation works at the permanent orientation camp in Obubra.
Other officials who accompanied the deputy governor on the inspection tour included the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh; the Commissioner for Youth Development, Ijom-Odum Ukam; the Calabar Zonal Inspector, Mr Tony Odey; and the Vice-Chancellor of UEE, Prof. Patrick Asuquo, who conducted the state government delegation around the facilities.
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