Members of the National Youth Service Corps serving in Abia State have been promised automatic employment by Governor Alex Otti if they perform well throughout their service year.

At the 2026 Batch "A," Stream 1 corps members' swearing-in ceremony at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, the governor made this promise.

He emphasised that employment prospects would be determined by performance and ability to contribute value rather than state of origin, adding that Abia places a high priority on quality and merit.

"Our eyes will be on you in your primary assignment locations, and those who perform well will automatically be hired in relevant public sector establishments," Otti stated.

He cited the current Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, who served in the state as a corps member and advanced through the ranks to become the top civil servant despite being from Edo State, to highlight Abia's long-standing history of rewarding exceptional corps members with employment.

Governor Otti urged corps members to make the most of their service year and the prospects in Abia, saying that his administration is creating a state that can draw and keep top talent through consistent investment in social infrastructure.

He instructed Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, to start the Phase II improvement of the orientation camp and reiterated his administration's commitment for the NYSC program.

The upgrade, he said, would include completion of internal roads, a pavilion with finished ceilings and fans, and regrassing of the sports field.

Earlier, Sir Ananaba urged the corps members to obey camp rules and take the orientation course seriously, noting that the state rewards hard work and impactful community development service. He thanked the governor for increasing corps members’ allowances and improving camp facilities.

Barr, the State Coordinator, is speaking on behalf of the NYSC Director-General. According to Gladys Adama, the orientation course is essential to getting corps members ready for a productive service year.

She praised Governor Otti for his unwavering support, which included improved feeding, increased state allowances, internal road development, the installation of 46 solar-powered street lights, and camp renovation.

At the occasion, 1,820 corps members—804 men and 1,016 women—were sworn in. Justice Lilian Agbai, the Chief Judge of Abia State, administered the oath of loyalty on behalf of Justice C.E. Anyim.