By Abasi Ita
Perturbed by the abysmal state of essential infrastructure at the Obubra Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youths Service Corp, NYSC, the Cross River House of Assembly has adopted a motion calling on Governor Bassey Otu to embark on the urgent renovation of the camp to enhance the safety of staff and corp members.
The call was contained in a motion of urgent public interest, sponsored by the member representing the Yala 2 state constituency, Dr.Martins Achadu.
Dr. Achadu posited that “the devastating state of facilities at the Orientation Camp indicate years of neglect and lack of logistic assistance from the state government despite the enormous contribution of the scheme to the manpower need of the state.”
“That apart, the appalling picture contradicts our tourism and hospitable disposition which upholds a clean and green environment with a penchant for quality, excellent, safe, and conducive working environment.
He contended that the pathetic scenario at Camp constitutes a serious embarrassment to a state which pride itself as the ultimate destination for business and leisure tourism in the sub-Sahara region.
Supporting the motion, the member for Calabar Municipality, Hon Stanley Nsemo stressed that, the NYSC camp is in dire need of total upgrading due to prolonged decay arising from the lack of an effective maintenance agenda to mitigate strains from perennial usage since its construction of thirty years ago.
Nsemo stressed that comprehensive renovation and overhauling of
facilities at the Camp are now of essence to meet an acceptable standard as seen across the country.
Other lawmakers who spoke buttressed the issues raised by previous contributors while praying for unanimous adoption of the motion also imploring the Executive to embark on immediate rehabilitation of the Camp now lying in ruins.
Ruling on the motion, Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem lauded the sponsor for drawing the attention of the house to the pathetic situation in the Camp, describing the Motion as timely and needful.
He noted that the Motion reflects the people-oriented posture of the 10th Assembly poised to deliver on its mandate due to a robust synergy with the executive for the overall betterment of the state.
Findings by SummitPost News indicated that the NYSC orientation Camp located in Obubra lacks a perimeter fence, internal road networks, habitable accommodation, and a lack of public power supply attributable to connect the camp to the national grid.