The Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti has directed the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks delaying the implementation of the approved allowances of the members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Abia State.
Governor Otti gave the directives in his office, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, while receiving a delegation of the New State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, who assumed office recently in the State.
Governor Otti, who expressed surprise that the payment has not started, noted that he had approved the payment and made adequate provisions for its payment, and directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, who was present at the visit to liaise with the Head of Service and ensure immediate implementation.
” I am surprised that the extra allowance that I approved had not been implemented. I am surprised about that.
“Please, can you (Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development) ensure that whatever it is, it has to be dealt with immediately.
“Because the last time, I was told it’s about BVN, and I’m sure I tried to solve it. So, if there is any other problem, please, can you get the Head of Service to solve it.
“So, I already have given the approval, and we have made provisions for it. So, if it’s not been implemented, it’s of no use to us. It’s already provided for.
“And, so I’m surprised to hear that it hasn’t been done. I knew about the time when we argued about BVN, and I stepped in and resolved it.
“That was before you (new State Coordinator) came,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, while thanking the State Coordinator for identifying with him, and for seeing himself as an Abian, noted that anyone that lives and does business in Abia state is regarded as an indigene of the State as there is no State of origin in Abia State under his administration.
“So, I want to welcome you, and assure you that this State is happy to have you. You can feel free, and go anywhere. Our people are hospitable people, and we love visitors too,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who congratulated the new State Coordinator on his posting, appreciated the contributions of the NYSC members to the success of his government, adding that, “they are teaching in schools or in their hospitals. And we believe that whatever we can do to make their stay comfortable, we will do.
“And that’s why we have intervened and we continue to intervene,” Gov. Otti stated .
Earlier in his address, the newly posted State Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) , Alhaji Yanusa Tanimu said he came to familiarise with the Governor having assumed duty as the NYSC State Coordinator in Abia State recently.
Alhaji Tanimu appealed for the full and expeditious implementation of the State allowance approved for Corps members in Abia State .
He congratulated the Governor, on his numerous accomplishments in the State, especially in the areas of infrastructural development as well as other policies and projects that are geared towards advancing the economic prosperity, peace and stability of the State.
“I am pleased to place on record the fact that NYSC is a beneficiary of the people-oriented strides of the Abia State Government under your purposeful leadership.
“Today, I stand here to once again express our profound gratitude for the following remarkable gestures: Comprehensive renovation of Corps members’ hostels and multi-purpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umunna;
“Construction of internal roads in the Camp; Provision of solar-powered street lights in the Camp; Approval of funds for the augmentation of Corps members’ feeding, fueling of power generators and other logistics for the conduct of Orientation Courses; Approval of enhanced allowance for Corps members serving in the State; and Provision of new office accommodation for the NYSC Secretariat in the State capital. In addition, we have been reliably informed that His Excellency has approved funds for the supply of furniture to the new office,” Alhaji Tanimu stated.
He assured the Governor that, NYSC remains committed to contributing to the progress and development of Abia State and Nigeria.
.The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, Special Assistant on Sports and Special Assistant on Youth Development among other aides of the Governor were present at the visit, while the new State Coordinator presented a souvenir to the Governor.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
