The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday swore in 2,492 corps members deployed to Nasarawa state for the 2026 Batch B Stream II national service programme.
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa state declared the orientation exercise open at the Magaji Dan Yamusa Permanent Orientation camp in Keffi local government.
Sule, who was represented by Mr Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development congratulated the corps for the successful completion of their studies which qualified them to embark on the national assignment.
The governor noted that the scheme was established to promote national integration, cohesion and community-based development mechanism through discipline and patriotism as a critical component of socio-economic development of the nation.
“It is for this reason that this orientation exercise is designed to equip our dear corps members with the requisite skills that will enable you face difficult tasks during and after the service year.
“It is also intended to acquaint you with the culture, customs and traditions of the people of your host community to enable you integrate freely with them,” he said.
He urged the corps members to emulate their predecessors, who served in the state and lived up to the ideals of the scheme.
“You have a responsibility to sustain the tempo, while your service year last. Similarly, you are expected to exhibit a high sense of commitment and due diligence by contributing your quota to the overall development of our society,” he said.
Sule said the corps members were lucky to be posted to Nasarawa state due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the vast economic opportunities abound in the state.
“You are to count yourself as lucky ones considering that our proximity with the FCT, which offers you every access, but without the high cost of living associated with it,” he said.
He assured corps members of his administration’s commitment to continue to improve and sustain their welfare.
Sule commended the NYSC management, course participants and collaborating agencies for their unwavering dedication to the scheme’s objectives.
“I urged corps members to familiarise themselves with the content of the NYSC Bye-Laws which are viral guides for their service year,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs Salamatu Muhammad, Nasarawa state NYSC coordinator, thanked the governor for his consistent support, adding that it had greatly contributed to the success of the scheme in the state.
She explained that the orientation course is far more than a routine programme, but a carefully structured experience designed to introduce the corps members to the values, goals and vision of the NYSC.
“More importantly, it aims to promote unity, cultural understanding and a strong sense of patriotism.
“Although it is regimented in nature, the orientation course serves as a platform for physical and mental training, discipline and the development of a collective sense of responsibility,” she said.
Muhammad said that a total of 2492 corps members comprising 981 males and 1511 females successfully registered for the orientation.
“Since their arrival the corps members had displayed enthusiasm, resilience and admirable spirit of unity.
“Their energy has created a positive atmosphere that gives us confidence in the success of this course,” she added.
She revealed that the orientation course include: physical training, intellectual and motivational lectures, sporting and social activities, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
