Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has charged members of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) posted to the state to uphold discipline, patriotism, and selfless service throughout their service year.
The Governor gave the charge during the closing ceremony of the orientation course held on Tuesday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
Addressing the corps members, Governor Eno congratulated them on the successful completion of the orientation exercise, expressing delight that the programme ended without casualties despite the rigours of camp activities.
“I warmly congratulate you on the successful completion of your Orientation Course. I am particularly delighted that you braced up to the challenges and rigours of the exercise without any casualties,” he stated.
The Governor described the orientation course as a critical component of the NYSC scheme designed to instill leadership qualities, discipline, and civic responsibility in young Nigerians. He urged the corps members to contribute meaningfully to national development and the advancement of their host communities.
According to him, the educational background, acquired skills, and deployment of corps members to different parts of the state position them to play vital roles in sensitizing citizens on civic responsibilities and fostering a peaceful and prosperous society.
Governor Eno further encouraged the corps members to accept their postings as an opportunity to serve the nation with honesty, dedication, and commitment. He commended their conduct and cooperation with camp officials throughout the orientation exercise and urged them to sustain the virtues of humility, discipline, and loyalty beyond the service year.
Assuring the corps members of their safety, the Governor described Akwa Ibom as a peaceful and hospitable state, urging them to integrate freely with the people while respecting their socio-cultural values and aspirations.
He also challenged them to surpass the achievements of previous corps members who had made positive impacts in various sectors across the state.
On security and personal safety, Governor Eno cautioned the corps members against night travel, warning that many deaths recorded in the history of the NYSC scheme were linked to unsafe journeys at night.
“Please ensure that you stop over at a Corps Lodge, Police Station, or Military Barracks once it is after 6:00 p.m. during any journey. Almost all the lives lost in the Scheme over the years resulted from night travel. Please, be wise,” he advised.
The Governor further urged them to board vehicles only at designated motor parks, ensure proper documentation of travel details, and maintain communication with family members and friends during trips.
Governor Eno also appreciated camp officials and all stakeholders whose contributions ensured the success of the orientation exercise.
He thereafter formally declared the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course closed and wished the corps members a safe, fruitful, and fulfilling service year.
By: Ikechukwu Agbamegbue, Uyo.
