Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom on Friday approved the reconstruction of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in the state to enhance the welfare of corps members.

Mr Eno announced the approval during the swearing-in ceremony of the NYSC 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

He stated that the state government was committed to taking critical steps to enhance the well-being of corps members posted to Akwa Ibom.

“Already, we have increased the monthly allowance of corps members serving in the state to N20,000. This will also affect Akwa Ibom indigenes serving across the nation.

“The approval to reconstruct the NYSC orientation camp is to provide a state-of-the-art facility for the scheme’s orientation course and other activities,” he said.

Mr Eno further said his administration would establish youth-friendly hubs in the 31 local government areas of the state.

He said the hubs, which would be solar-powered, would also provide full internet access to users.

“These hubs would provide empowerment opportunities for youths and position them to contribute towards the development of the state,” Mr Eno said.

The governor urged corps members serving in Akwa Ibom to exhibit a positive work attitude, openness to learning, change, and innovation.

Earlier, the NYSC coordinator in Akwa Ibom, Sam Pepple, urged corps members to participate actively in the orientation activities to prepare themselves for the tasks ahead.

Mr Pepple said the cardinal programmes in the scheme were primary assignment, community development service, winding up, and passing out.

He commended the state government for its steadfast support of the scheme’s activities and programmes.

“We cannot hold our joy in hearing about the approval to reconstruct the orientation camp; we are most thankful to the state government,” he said.

The coordinator disclosed that 1,078 corps members were registered to participate in the orientation exercise in the state.

(NAN)