The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday formally inducted 2,080 corps members of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ deployed to Nasarawa and 1,646 corps members to Akwa Ibom State for national service.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule declared the orientation course open at the Magaji Dan-Yamusa NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Keffi Local Government Area, marking the official start of training and integration for new corps members.
Sule was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Yakubu Kwanta, who welcomed the corps members and highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting NYSC programmes and community initiatives.
In his address, Sule congratulated corps members for completing their academic programmes, qualifying them for national service, and emphasised the importance of embracing NYSC values, goals, and vision during their orientation period.
Sule noted that the orientation course was more than a routine programme.
“It is designed to instill patriotism, unity, cultural understanding, discipline, physical and mental training, and a collective sense of responsibility.”
The governor encouraged corps members to consider themselves fortunate to serve in Nasarawa due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory, peaceful environment, and abundant economic and social opportunities to be harnessed.
Sule assured corps members that his administration would reward those initiating projects or programmes benefiting communities.
He pledged to continue supporting excellence while sustaining welfare initiatives for corps members in the state.
The governor explained that the orientation course equipped corps members with skills needed for effective service year performance.
He urged them to emulate predecessors and uphold NYSC ideals throughout their national service deployment.
Sule advised corps members to familiarise themselves with NYSC Bye-laws, describing them as essential guidance for a successful service year.
He commended NYSC management, corps members, and collaborating agencies for their dedication.
Mrs Salamatu Muhammad, NYSC Nasarawa State Coordinator, thanked Sule for his support and commitment to nation-building.
She emphasised the orientation fostered unity, patriotism, discipline, and collective responsibility among corps members.
Muhammad noted that the 2,080 corps members posted to Nasarawa, including 906 males and 1,174 females, had demonstrated resilience, teamwork, and enthusiasm since their arrival, signaling readiness to actively engage in orientation activities.
The Akwa Ibom NYSC Coordinator, Mr Sam Pepple, appealed to Gov. Umo Eno to fast-track reconstruction of the permanent orientation camp at Ikot Itie Udung due to old, dilapidated infrastructure affecting corps members’ comfort.
Pepple explained that the old infrastructure urgently required repairs to ensure safe accommodation and a conducive learning environment.
He expressed gratitude to Eno for prior support and pledged to oversee the rebuilding project.
Pepple disclosed that a total of 1,646 corps members, comprising 723 males and 923 females, had registered for the service year.
He urged active participation in all activities to develop leadership and teamwork skills.
He outlined core programmes, including Primary Assignment, Community Development Service, Winding Up and Passing Out, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program.
Pepple hailed state support and collaborating agencies for steadfast commitment.
Eno assured NYSC and corps members that comprehensive rebuilding of the Akwa Ibom orientation camp would commence soon.
He was represented by Mr Anthony Isonguyoh, Director of Administration and Supplies, Ministry of Youth Development.
Eno stated the state had started paying N20,000 monthly allowances to corps members.
He emphasised that infrastructure improvements would enhance comfort, productivity, and learning during the orientation period for all members.
The governor urged corps members to approach their service with a positive attitude, openness to learning, and readiness to embrace innovations, teamwork, and community engagement opportunities throughout their one-year national service.
The ceremony’s climax was the administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom, Justice Ekaette Obot, represented by Justice Edem Akpan, formally marking the corps members’ commitment to national service.
