Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, has assured members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state of adequate security, improved welfare and better orientation camp facilities throughout their service year.
The Governor gave the assurance while declaring open the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
Represented by the Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, Governor Eno said his administration remained committed to the safety and comfort of corps members, stressing that their lives and property would be protected against harassment and intimidation by individuals or groups with ulterior motives.
He acknowledged the infrastructural challenges confronting the orientation camp and assured that work would commence shortly to upgrade the facilities, creating a more conducive environment for the training, accommodation and general welfare of corps members.
Governor Eno described the NYSC scheme as a strategic instrument for national unity, integration and development, urging the newly sworn-in corps members to deploy their intellectual abilities, energy and creativity towards building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
He challenged them to rise above ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural differences, noting that their deployment to Akwa Ibom offered an opportunity to build enduring friendships and appreciate the country’s diversity.
The Governor further urged the corps members to demonstrate patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service, while respecting camp authorities and adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of the orientation course.
He commended NYSC camp officials and collaborating agencies for their dedication to preparing young Nigerians for the responsibilities of national service.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Akuagbaogu Ngozi Rosemary, disclosed that a total of 2,494 corps members, comprising 1,184 males and 1,310 females, had reported to the camp for the exercise.
She described the corps members’ conduct since arrival as commendable, noting that they had adapted well to the regimented nature of camp life and demonstrated discipline in complying with camp regulations.
Mrs Akuagbaogu, however, appealed to the Governor to urgently intervene in addressing the accommodation challenges at the camp, particularly the shortage of mattresses, requesting the provision of 500 additional mattresses to improve the comfort and safety of the corps members.
The State Coordinator expressed appreciation to Governor Eno for his consistent support for the NYSC scheme, particularly his previous donation of ₦20,000 to each corps member of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I to facilitate transportation to their places of primary assignment, as well as ₦5 million to camp officials.
The ceremony featured the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Obot, represented by Justice Edem AKpan, formally ushering the corps members into the one-year mandatory national service.
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Headline alternative: GOV ENO PROMISES NYSC CORPS MEMBERS BETTER CAMP, GUARANTEES SECURITY
…As 2,494 corps members begin national service in Akwa Ibom
This version has a stronger news angle: the Governor’s security assurance and commitment to upgrading the camp, followed by the significant deployment figure and the State Coordinator’s request for 500 mattresses.
By: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo
