Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has given his approval to upgrade and refurbish the facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp located in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.
Fubara announced this decision on Wednesday during a courtesy visit from the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Governor described Rivers State as a “peaceful and welcoming” state, emphasizing that its safe environment and hospitality have made it a popular choice for corps members and their families.
“Rivers State is a very accommodating state. We have a very wonderful environment, and we are welcoming. Furthermore, we are a peaceful people. So, I am not surprised at the increase in individuals wanting to come to Rivers State,” Fubara noted.
He added that the government’s main duty is to protect citizens, secure property, and provide basic services, stating that the state has been fulfilling these responsibilities.
“That is the main role of government; everything else comes second. And we are doing what we should be doing as a government,” he added.
The Governor instructed the Secretary of the State Government, Dr Benino Anabraba, to assess the required work at the camp and present a report for immediate action.
He also guaranteed that the state would provide office space for the newly established NYSC regional office and consider moving or renovating the State Secretariat, which he described as outdated.
He further stated, “We acknowledge that this agency is a federal agency. But the people closest to these facilities are Rivers State residents. So, it is our responsibility to ensure that we do all we can to improve these places and make them comfortable for both our people and visitors.
“So, I assure you that the concerns you have raised, particularly the need to expand the facility in line with your forecast for next year, have been noted. Secretary to the State Government, please take note of that.
“The minor repairs that were also mentioned, and other issues that need to be addressed, should be thoroughly evaluated and brought to my attention.”
Brigadier General Nafiu, who is visiting orientation camps across the nation, mentioned that 2,586 corps members are currently participating in the 2025 Batch C program in Rivers State, making it the fourth most sought-after destination in the country.
He also stated that 8,349 Rivers State indigenes are serving in various states.
Emphasizing the contributions of corps members to national development, Nafiu said their service saves the state up to ₦15 billion annually if calculated at standard salary rates.
“With this figure, Rivers is the fourth most popular destination across the country with the highest number of corps members, after Lagos, FCT and Oyo.
“This shows that corps members are welcomed here. The safety of lives and property 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 amenities.
He also requested the reconstitution of the state and local government NYSC governing boards and the relocation of the NYSC office, currently located in the crowded 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 mobilization in 2026, highlighting the need to expand facilities across the country.
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