The long-standing challenge of accommodation for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State is set to become a thing of the past following the commencement of construction of a modern corps lodge designed to provide decent and secure housing for young graduates posted to the area.
The project received a major boost on Tuesday when the Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, performed the foundation-laying ceremony for the 20-unit self-contained accommodation being built by the Ahoada East Local Government Council.
When completed within the projected 90-day period, the facility will accommodate about 40 corps members, comprising 20 males and 20 females, in separate wings. The complex will also feature offices for the Local Government Inspector and lodge manager, kitchens, a courtyard, and recreational facilities including football and volleyball arenas.
Speaking at the ceremony, Oleghe described the project as a landmark intervention that demonstrates the council’s commitment to the welfare, security and comfort of corps members serving in the area.
He commended the Executive Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Hon. Solomon Abuba Ochoma, for investing in the future of young Nigerians and creating an enabling environment for national service.
According to him, the provision of befitting accommodation would not only improve the living conditions of corps members but also encourage the posting of more graduates to the council area, thereby boosting manpower in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.
“The project is a worthy legacy that should be emulated by other local government councils. By providing quality accommodation for corps members, the council is contributing significantly to the success of the NYSC scheme and the development of the local community,” he said.
Earlier, Ochoma described the NYSC as one of the Federal Government’s most enduring nation-building programmes, noting that it has continued to promote national unity, integration and grassroots development through the deployment of young graduates across the country.
He said the decision to construct the lodge was informed by the need to provide corps members with safe, comfortable and conducive accommodation in appreciation of their contributions to the growth and development of Ahoada East.
The council chairman assured that the project would be delivered within schedule and in line with the highest standards of quality and durability.
The ceremony attracted prominent sons and daughters of Ahoada East, government officials and stakeholders, including the Special Assistant to the Chairman on Youth and NYSC Matters, Chief Elvis Ihua, who joined in celebrating what many described as a significant step towards improving corps members’ welfare in the area.
