Beyond the NYSC Camp: Cross River’s rot, the locust years, and the demands of recovery

The State of Cross River is currently grappling with the consequences of years of neglect and mismanagement, as highlighted by the dilapidated National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Obubra. Corps members have endured substandard facilities, prompting the state government to shut down the camp for comprehensive renovation and relocate orientation exercises.

However, this is just a visible manifestation of a larger problem of institutional and infrastructural decay that has accumulated over the years, particularly during the eight years of Benedict Ayade’s administration. During the locust years, ambitious projects were announced frequently but rarely delivered, leading to a decline in the civil service, demoralised employees, and deteriorating maintenance of critical infrastructure such as roads and drainage systems.

The Ayade administration's focus on grandiose budgets and digital ceremonies overshadowed the real impact on Cross Riverians. Today, Governor Bassey Otu faces a challenging task of reversing this damage, restoring accountability and transparency, and meeting citizens' expectations for visible progress.