Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has urged members of the 2026 Batch B, Stream Two of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, deployed to the state to embrace its culture of peace and hospitality while contributing meaningfully to the development of the state.
Governor Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, gave the charge while addressing the corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Nsit Atai, describing Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful, hospitable and sought-after destinations for corps members.
The Governor, while decorating the orientation course closed, congratulated the corps members on their successful completion of the orientation course and urged them to see their deployment to Akwa Ibom as an opportunity to make a lasting impact through their primary assignments and community development service.
“We expect you to help deepen this culture of hospitality, peace and unity during your service period here.”
Governor Eno recalled that the NYSC scheme, established in 1973, was designed to promote national unity, national integration, community development and skills acquisition among Nigerian graduates.
He assured the corps members of the state government’s support, particularly those who would be deployed to schools, hospitals and other critical sectors, stressing that their contributions would complement efforts to advance the ARISE Agenda.
Governor Eno said many corps members who had previously served in the state made exceptional contributions and were recognised for their outstanding performance, urging the new batch to strive for similar excellence.
“I want to believe that members of this batch will strive to leave indelible footprints in the course of your stay here and be correspondingly rewarded for outstanding service to our state.”
The Governor described Akwa Ibom as a vibrant, peaceful and emerging tourism hub, assuring the corps members that residents of the state were ready to receive them as members of the Akwa Ibom family.
Governor Eno encouraged the corps members to integrate into the local culture, build meaningful relationships and take advantage of the state’s opportunities during their service year.
“Take this to be your own state and when you behave that way, you will be accepted as an Akwa Ibom person.”
Governor Eno expressed optimism that some of the corps members could establish lasting ties with the state through employment, marriage and other opportunities after their service year.
The Governor wished the corps members a rewarding service year, urging them to return to their various states with fond memories of their experience in Akwa Ibom.
