Abia State’s Governor, Dr Alex Otti, extolled the merit-based value system in the state while addressing the crowd at the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) swearing-in for Batch A Stream 1 corps members at the Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende LGA.
During his speech, Otti reiterated that Abia State rewards excellence and prioritises merit over factors such as state of origin or proximity to power.
“We have built systems that value merit over state of origin, and we are intentional about attracting and retaining the best talent,” says Otti.
The Labour Party governor cited the story of the state’s current Head of Service to illustrate Abia State’s affinity for merit. Mr Benson Ojeikere, who hails from Edo State, showed exemplary performance during his service year in the state and got hired.
In his closing remarks, Otti acknowledged and appreciated the leadership of the NYSC in the state, led by Mrs Gladys Adama. He pointed out their exceptional commitment to the welfare and integration of corpers in the state, lauding their efforts and recognising their contributions to youth development.
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The Abia governor pledged continued support for the NYSC in the state because investing in the youth is investing in the future. Otti recalled his experience as a youth corper in present-day Ekiti State, stating that it helped shape his worldview and introduced him to the career that made him.
The NYSC program is a one-year mandatory service to the country stipulated for all graduates in Nigeria. The program lays the foundation for nationhood, introducing many young graduates to various parts of the country outside their comfort zone.
