…Governor urges corps members to embrace nation-building, entrepreneurship
The Akwa Ibom State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare and security of corps members serving in the state, even as concerns over deteriorating infrastructure at the National Youth Service Corps Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area, came to the fore during the swearing-in of the 2026 Batch “B” Stream One corps members.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Umo Eno, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerette Ekanem, charged the newly deployed corps members to see national service as a call to patriotism, unity and nation-building.
The Governor urged the corps members to participate fully in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, describing it as a vital tool for self-reliance in a shrinking formal job market.
He advised them to approach the service year with diligence, humility and openness to learning, while integrating with their host communities and contributing meaningfully to grassroots development.
Governor Eno assured the corps members of government’s commitment to their safety and welfare, stressing that his administration would continue to provide an enabling environment for them to thrive.
“Our administration remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring that corps members posted to Akwa Ibom have a rewarding service year,” he said.
Earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Rosemary Akuagbuogu, raised concerns over the poor state of facilities at the orientation camp, appealing for urgent intervention to rehabilitate critical infrastructure.
Mrs Akuagbuogu described the camp as overstretched and many of its structures as dilapidated, citing leaking roofs, collapsed ceilings, broken windows and inadequate hostel accommodation for the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state.
According to her, one of the hostels is completely without a roof, making accommodation increasingly difficult and raising concerns over the welfare and safety of corps members.
She appealed to the state government to expedite action on upgrading the camp facilities, while commending Governor Eno for his support to the NYSC scheme and ongoing efforts toward improving the orientation camp.
Addressing the corps members, the State Coordinator urged them to embrace the orientation course as a platform for leadership development, discipline and personal growth.
She encouraged active participation in camp activities, including paramilitary drills, leadership exercises, sporting events and non-formal education programmes, while stressing the compulsory nature of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
“In a country grappling with youth unemployment, the SAED programme remains the NYSC’s contribution to national development. I urge every corps member to take it seriously,” she said.
Mrs Akuagbuogu also called on the corps members to uphold the values of discipline, peace and selfless service, while using the service year to foster unity, build lasting friendships and contribute to the development of their host communities.
The swearing-in ceremony featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by the State Chief Judge and marked the formal commencement of the orientation exercise for the new batch of corps members.
