By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
A former corps member, Adm. Asiwaju Busari Shaamsuddeen Akande, has called for the urgent rehabilitation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Obubra, Cross River State, following the suspension of corps members’ deployment to the facility.
Akande, who served in Cross River during the 1998/1999 Batch B service year, expressed concern over the camp’s deteriorating condition, attributing it to years of neglect.
In a statement, he recalled that the Obubra camp had a capacity of about 2,500 corps members but could accommodate barely 1,000 before its closure.
He described the development as a consequence of prolonged failure to maintain the facility and urged the authorities to treat the suspension of deployments as a wake-up call to address the infrastructure challenges.
Akande said the camp played a significant role in shaping his experience during national service and helped him establish lasting relationships with the people of Cross River State.
Posted to Ugep in Yakurr Local Government Area after orientation, he said he became involved in community development, including producing a drama film aimed at challenging negative stereotypes about the people of the area.
According to him, the NYSC later adopted the production for screening during orientation exercises to educate subsequent batches of corps members.
He also recalled working at Vision International School in Ugep, where he was retained for three years after completing his service, and contributing to community activities.
Akande said his contributions earned him recognition from the NYSC headquarters and invitations to return to the Obubra camp as a motivational speaker for several years.
The former corps member, who is currently Secretary to the Council of the Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership, United States, said the temporary relocation of orientation activities to Akamkpa highlighted the need for sustained investment in public infrastructure.
He argued that attention should extend beyond corps members’ allowances to include the condition of facilities where they live and undergo orientation.
Akande urged the NYSC authorities and the Cross River State Government to prioritise the renovation and restoration of the Obubra camp, saying its rehabilitation would preserve its historical significance and provide a suitable environment for future corps members.
