Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has announced plans to construct a new secretariat for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as part of efforts to strengthen support for the scheme in the state.
The governor made this known on Tuesday during a meeting with the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara said his administration remains committed to improving the welfare of corps members and upgrading facilities to create a more conducive environment for their service year. He noted that the meeting focused on practical steps to boost the NYSC experience, describing it as more than a routine courtesy visit.
He explained that although past administrations maintained a cordial relationship with the NYSC, his government took immediate action upon assumption of office by repairing several dilapidated facilities.
The governor highlighted Rivers State’s hospitable nature and peaceful atmosphere, which he said continues to attract corps members nationwide. “Rivers State is very hospitable. We accommodate, and we are peaceful people. I’m not surprised at the surge of people wanting to come to Rivers State,” he said.
He assured the NYSC of standard facilities and a safe environment, emphasising that his administration is focused on protecting lives and property while ensuring the availability of basic amenities such as good housing, schools, and healthcare.
Fubara also reaffirmed that Rivers State provides additional allowances to corps members, saying, “In Rivers State, you are collecting double or even triple allowance.”
On the newly approved NYSC regional office for the state, the governor described it as a privilege and promised that a suitable office space would be provided. He added that the existing NYSC secretariat is outdated and may either be remodelled or relocated entirely to meet the needs of the scheme.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Nafiu expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Government for its sustained support and long-standing partnership with the scheme.
