The Ekiti State Government has commenced the renovation and infrastructural upgrade of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Emure-Ise-Orun, with 19 projects currently being executed in the facility.
The intervention follows a recent pledge by Governor Biodun Oyebanji to revamp the camp and improve the welfare and living conditions of corps members deployed to the state for their mandatory orientation programme.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Gold Adedayo, disclosed this on Wednesday during an inspection of the ongoing projects at the camp, saying the intervention was part of the government’s commitment to youth development.
Mr Adedayo said the renovation, upon completion, would give the camp a modern outlook and provide corps members with a more conducive environment during orientation programmes.
“The upgrade, upon completion, will transform the camp into one of the best NYSC orientation facilities in the country,” he said.
Among the projects inspected by the commissioner were the gatehouse, registration centre, five male and seven female hostels, dining section, kitchen, stores, perimeter fence and the NYSC State Coordinator’s Lodge.
Mr Adedayo expressed satisfaction with the quality and pace of work, commending the contractors for their commitment to completing the projects within schedule.
What prompted the renovation
In July 2024, Mr Oyebanji directed the state’s Bureau of Special Projects to conduct an integrity test on buildings at the camp following the collapse of toilet facilities at the camp.
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The directive was issued during a meeting with members of the NYSC Governing Council led by Mr Adedayo. The governor said the outcome of the integrity test would guide further government action on the camp’s facilities and help improve the overall living conditions there.
However, in late August, the governor approved a comprehensive renovation and upgrade of the facility.
Speaking during a visit to the site on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to Mr Oyebanji on Special Projects, Olubunmi Talabi, said the projects were being executed simultaneously under the supervision of his bureau and would be delivered within the timeframe set by the governor.
According to him, the government is targeting completion within two months to allow corps members to resume camp activities as scheduled.
“Solar lighting solutions will also be installed across all buildings and facilities within the camp to enhance illumination, improve security and provide a better experience for corps members and camp officials,” he said.
He added that the government had engaged local contractors and artisans in line with its local content policy, saying the approach would also ensure that residents benefit from the project.
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