Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the comprehensive upgrade and renovation of facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.
The governor announced the approval on Wednesday when the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid a working visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Fubara described Rivers State as a peaceful and welcoming environment for corps members, noting that the hospitable nature of residents makes the state a preferred deployment destination.
“Rivers State is a very hospitable place. We are peaceful, we accommodate everyone, and that is why it is not surprising that many parents are happy to see their children posted here,” the governor said.
He added that his administration remained committed to providing security and essential amenities that guarantee the safety and comfort of residents and visitors.
“The basic duty of government is to protect lives, safeguard property, and provide basic services, and we are doing that. Everything else is secondary,” he stated.
Fubara directed the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benino Anabraba, to immediately assess and document the scope of renovation required at the camp for prompt execution.
He also assured that adequate office accommodation would be provided for the newly created NYSC regional office, with plans to either relocate or rehabilitate the current State Secretariat.
“We are aware that NYSC is a federal agency, but the facilities are used by our people. So, it is our responsibility to ensure they are in good condition for the benefit of our citizens and visitors,” Fubara noted.
Brigadier General Nafiu, who is touring orientation camps across the country, disclosed that 2,586 corps members are currently participating in the 2025 Batch C stream in Rivers State, making the state the fourth most preferred posting location nationally.
He revealed that corps members’ contributions to the state are significant, noting that their services—if monetised—would cost the state about ₦15 billion annually.
“Rivers remains one of the safest deployment states. The number of corps members willing to serve here reflects the confidence parents have in the state’s security architecture,” Nafiu said.
He appreciated the governor for providing land for the State Coordinator’s residence and for other forms of support, while requesting the reconstitution of state and local government NYSC governing boards and the relocation of the NYSC office currently situated in the congested Mile 2 Market, Diobu.
The DG further highlighted the rapid growth of the scheme, noting that from 2,764 corps members in 1973/74, the NYSC now accommodates over 400,000 participants yearly, with more than 650,000 graduates expected to be eligible for mobilisation in 2026.
He stressed the need for continuous expansion of facilities nationwide.
