Members of the National Youth Service Corps have been encouraged to open their hearts and minds to the wealth of experiences and knowledge that await them as they go through the one year of national service to their father land.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno while declaring open the 2026 Batch A Stream 1 orientation camp in the state open, urged the Corps members deployed to the state to use the opportunity to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional lines as bond that may one day shape the future of the country.
Governor Eno while stating that the Camp represents a miniature Nigeria,bringing together people from every part of the nation, urged them to embrace the diversity as a source of strength and work together in harmony and mutual respect.
Represented by the commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, Governor Eno explained that the unity,peace,and progress of Nigeria depend,in part,on well they maximize the experience.
“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.
As strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, your contributions must transcend ethnic,religious, linguistic,and socio-cultural boundaries.Our country looks to you for fresh ideas,renewed hope,and the promise of a brighter future,” he said
The Governor restated his administration’s commitment to Corps welfare and security, assuring them of the safety of their lives and property at all times as they have answered the national call of service.
According to Governor Eno, “The Government of Akwa Ibom State remains firmly committed to your welfare and safety throughout your service year.We are taking deliberate steps to ensure your security and comfort. “this administration has fulfilled its earlier promise by commencing the payment of a #20,000 monthly stipend as State Allowance to Corps Members serving in State Government Institutions.”
“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at your Orientation Camp.Work will commence very shortly at rebuilding of the entire Camp to enhance your comfort and productivity.
Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Ngozi AKUAGBAOGU, advised the Corps members to use the opportunity in camp to pick a skill through the SAED initiative which has become a cornerstone of the NYSC’s contribution to national development, noting that the country grappling with the challenge of youth unemployment.
While noting that Camp life is strictly guided by the provisions of the NYSC Act, which stipulates that all camp activities must be conducted in accordance with the approved programme timetable, Mrs AKUAGBAOGU explained that the Orientation Course is designed to equip them with the physical, mental, and intellectual tools required for the task of nation-building.
She said, “You are expected to fully engage with all the activities,including the lecture series, paramilitary drills, and leadership training sessions.
The NYSC has signed several Memoranda of Understanding with key institutions such as the CBN,NNPCL,and the Bank of Industry,all of whom are ready to support your entrepreneurial journey through loans,grants,and capacity- building initiatives.”
While administering the oath of allegiance on 1,379 Corps Members, comprising 571 males and 808 females, the State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Justice Eden Akpan, urged the Corps members to be law abiding cautioning that the NYSC does not confere immunity on them.
