Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to the state to rise above ethnic, religious and socio-cultural differences and deploy their intellect, energy and creativity towards building a stronger and more united Nigeria.
Governor Eno gave the charge while declaring open the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
Represented by the Director, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Emmanuel Akpabio, the Governor described the corps members as strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, urging them to see their one-year service as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development.
“You are now co-builders of our great nation, called upon to channel your intellect, energy, and creativity towards the collective development of Nigeria,” he said.
The Governor urged the corps members to embrace the diversity of the orientation camp, which he described as a miniature Nigeria, and use the opportunity to establish relationships across ethnic and regional boundaries.
According to him, the bonds formed during the service year could have lasting implications for the unity, peace and progress of the country.
He challenged the young Nigerians to demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is possible, insisting that the vision of a just, united and indivisible Nigeria remains achievable.
“Nigeria needs your generation to demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is achievable and that the dreams of our founding fathers, a just, united, and indivisible nation, are attainable and not merely a mirage,” Governor Eno stated.
The Governor also assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their security, welfare and comfort throughout their service year, warning that individuals or groups with ulterior motives would not be allowed to harass or intimidate them.
He equally urged the corps members to remain disciplined, obey camp officials and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations guiding the Orientation Course.
The Governor’s address came against the backdrop of concerns raised by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Akuagbaogu Ngozi Rosemary, over the condition of facilities at the camp.
Mrs. Akuagbaogu said the rainy season had worsened the accommodation challenge posed by the large number of corps members deployed to the state and appealed for speedy government intervention to improve the facilities.
In response, Governor Eno acknowledged the infrastructure challenge and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing it.
“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at your Orientation Camp. I assure you that work will commence very shortly,” he said.
A total of 1,579 corps members, comprising 713 males and 866 females were administered the oath of allegiance by the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Justice Bassey Ekanem.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator congratulated the corps members on completing their academic pursuits and urged them to participate actively in the Orientation Course, particularly the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which she described as an important response to the challenge of youth unemployment.
