Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase One of a permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp, reaffirming his administration's commitment to youth development and infrastructure.
Speaking during the ceremony on Monday, Governor Bago said the project reflects the state's investment in empowering young people and improving facilities for corps members. He disclosed that the first phase of the project will occupy eight hectares of land, while an additional 20 hectares have been allocated for NYSC farming activities.
The governor stated that funding for the project has already been secured and expressed confidence that, upon completion, the facility would rank among the best NYSC orientation camps in Nigeria.
Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, described the project as a demonstration of the shared commitment of both the Niger State Government and the NYSC to youth development, national unity, and sustainable progress.
According to him, the permanent orientation camp will improve the comfort, safety, and welfare of corps members while also serving as a centre for youth empowerment and community development.
Brig. Gen. Nafiu commended Governor Bago for his continued support for the NYSC and the allocation of resources toward the project. He noted that Niger State joins Lagos, Adamawa, and Gombe as one of the few states constructing modern permanent orientation camps for the scheme.
He also urged the contractor to complete the project within the agreed timeline while maintaining high construction standards.
Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, praised the governor for initiating the project and pledged the legislature's support to ensure its successful completion.
Providing details of the project, the contractor, Mr. Stephen Adigun, said the camp is designed to accommodate approximately 5,000 corps members, with provisions for future expansion.
He explained that the facility will include 41 residential hostel blocks, each containing 20 rooms with six beds per room. Other planned infrastructure includes a 3,000-seat multipurpose hall, administrative offices, sports and recreational facilities, perimeter fencing, a clinic, and other supporting amenities.
Mr. Adigun assured stakeholders of the company's commitment to delivering the project within schedule without compromising quality.
In separate remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Dr. Nuhu Ngaski, and the Emir of Agaie, Alhaji Yusuf Nuhu, who spoke on behalf of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, commended the initiative and pledged continued support for programmes aimed at improving the lives of residents and promoting youth development.
Tags
Community