Akande faults government over poor youth infrastructure as NYSC suspends Cross River deployment

Educationist Asiwaju Busari Shaamsuddeen Akande has urged governments to prioritise investment in youth infrastructure following the suspension of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployments to Cross River State.

According to Daily Post, Akande made the appeal after NYSC Director-General, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, suspended deployments over deteriorating facilities at the permanent orientation camp in Obubra.

The decision followed an inspection revealing that the camp no longer met required standards.

The facility’s capacity reportedly declined from approximately 2,500 corps members to fewer than 1,000.

Reacting, Akande criticised prolonged infrastructure neglect, stressing that youth development required more than increased allowances.

Cross River Governor Bassey Otu subsequently ordered immediate rehabilitation of the facility.

The state government also announced the temporary relocation of orientation activities to the University of Education and Entrepreneurship in Akamkpa.

Akande urged authorities to complete the renovation promptly, emphasising that safe, functional facilities were essential for corps members’ welfare, national integration and the NYSC scheme’s continued effectiveness.