Gov. Otti Orders Immediate Resolution of Delays in NYSC Allowance Implementation

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed the immediate resolution of administrative bottlenecks delaying the implementation of the approved state allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.

The directive was issued on Tuesday during a meeting with the newly posted Abia State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, who paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House in Umuahia.

Governor Otti expressed surprise that the allowance had not been implemented despite his earlier approval and budgetary provision for the payments. He directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to work with the Head of Service to 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 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 came."

The governor welcomed the new NYSC State Coordinator and assured him of the state's support, stating that everyone who lives and works in Abia is regarded as part of the state.

"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," he said.

Governor Otti also commended corps members for their contributions to education, healthcare and other sectors in the state, reaffirming his administration's commitment to improving their welfare.

"They are teaching in schools or in our 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," he added.

Earlier, the Abia State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, said he visited the governor to formally introduce himself following his recent deployment to the state.

He appealed for the full and prompt implementation of the approved state allowance for corps members and commended the governor for his administration's infrastructure projects and development initiatives.

Tanimu said the NYSC had benefited from several interventions by the Abia State Government, including the renovation of corps members' hostels and the multipurpose hall at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, construction of internal roads, installation of solar powered street lights, funding support for orientation camp logistics, approval of enhanced allowances for corps members, and the provision of a new office accommodation for the NYSC Secretariat.

He also disclosed that the governor had approved funds for the provision of furniture for the new office.

The NYSC coordinator assured the governor of the scheme's continued commitment to supporting the development of Abia State and Nigeria.

Present at the meeting were the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Special Assistant on Sports, the Special Assistant on Youth Development and other government officials. The NYSC State Coordinator presented a souvenir to the governor during the visit.