CROSSJOF condemns suspension of Obubra camp in NYSC, questions Nafiu’s motives

CROSSJOF condemns suspension of Obubra camp in NYSC, questions Nafiu’s motives

…Calls for temporary transfer of corps members awaiting rehabilitation

By Raphael Ekpang

Abuja (Core Reporters) – The Cross River State Journalists Forum (CROSSJOF), Abuja, has condemned the suspension of activities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Obubra, Cross River State, by the Director General of the programme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, questioning the rationale behind the decision.

The Forum expressed concern that the suspension could adversely affect the state’s public institutions, which rely heavily on corps members to provide manpower in schools, hospitals and other facilities.

The position is contained in a statement signed by the president of the Forum, Francisca Ogar, and made available to journalists on Monday 19 October 2026.

According to Ogar, the decision followed deliberations at the Forum’s Congress held on Friday, October 16, 2026, where members questioned the circumstances surrounding the suspension and called for a more collaborative approach to addressing the camp’s infrastructure challenges.

He said members argue that the provision and maintenance of NYSC orientation camp facilities should be treated as a shared responsibility between state and federal authorities.

“Members were of the view that this is a shared responsibility: State governments in Nigeria have the statutory responsibility to provide, support and maintain NYSC orientation camp facilities, although the Federal Government, through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), also has the responsibility to administer the programme,” he said.

The Forum acknowledged that Obubra camp had dilapidated facilities and collapsed facilities, but argued that similar infrastructure problems existed in several orientation camps across the country without necessarily resulting in their closure.

As a result, he questioned why the Obubra camp had been suspended rather than allowing the relevant authorities to work together to remedy its shortcomings.

CROSSJOF also expressed concern over the apparent lack of effective communication between the Cross River State Government and the Federal Government on the issue, urging both parties to prioritize the welfare of corps members and the interests of the state.

The Forum also questioned whether Cross River State was being treated unfairly, linking its concern to the prolonged delay in the formal inauguration of the NYSC Board Chairman, Ntufam Hilliard Etta, an indigene of Cross River.

According to the Forum, Etta had been nominated for the position but had neither been sworn in nor received the support needed to function effectively, despite almost two years having passed since his appointment.

In raising the matter, the Forum sought clarification on the circumstances surrounding both the suspension of the Obubra camp and the delay in the inauguration of the prime minister.

CROSSJOF urged the NYSC Director General to consider temporarily relocating the orientation exercise to a state boarding secondary school or a senior college with adequate accommodation while rehabilitation work was carried out in Obubra camp.

It argued that such an agreement would provide a practical alternative to suspending activities and would help minimize the impact on the state and potential members of the corps.

The Forum also called on state governments across the country to take proactive measures towards regular maintenance and improvement of NYSC orientation camps to ensure safe, healthy and conducive environments for corps members.

He emphasized that collaboration between federal and state authorities remains essential to address infrastructure challenges without unnecessarily disrupting the operations of the nation’s utility system.