By Olukayode Babalola
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Monday swore in 2,583 corps members deployed to Nasarawa state for the 2026 Batch B Stream I national service programme.
Gov. Abdullahi Sule declared the orientation exercise open at the Magaji Dan Yamusa Permanent Orientation camp in Keffi local government.
In his address, Sule represented by Mr Yakubu Kwanta, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development congratulated the corps for the successful completion of their studies which qualified them to embark on the national assignment.
The governor noted that the scheme was established to promote national integration, cohesion and community-based development mechanism through discipline and patriotism as a critical component of socio-economic development of the nation.
He then assured the corps members that the orientation course is designed to equip them with requisite skills that will enable them to face the difficult task during the service year.
“It is also intended to acquaint you with the culture, customs and traditions of the people to enable you integrate freely with host communities,” he said.
He urged them to emulate their predecessors who served in the state and lived up to the ideals of the scheme.
“You have a responsibility to sustain the tempo while your service year last. Similarly, you are expected to exhibit a high sense of commitment and due diligence by contributing your quota to the overall development of our society,” he said.
He said the corps members were lucky to be posted to Nasarawa state due to its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the vast and economic opportunities abound in the state.
He then assured them of his administration’s commitment to continue to improve and sustain the welfare of corps members in the state.
“This disposition informed the execution of various projects in this orientation camp as part of our support to the scheme. I assure you that this will be sustained for the benefit of young Nigerians,” he said.
He commended the NYSC management, course participants and collaborating agencies for their unwavering dedication to the scheme’s objectives and also urged the corps members to familiarize themselves with the content of the NYSC Bye-Laws which are viral guides for their service year.
In her remarks, Mrs Salamatu Muhammad, Nasarawa state NYSC coordinator thanked the governor for his consistent support which, according to her, has greatly contributed to the success of the scheme in the state.
She explained that the orientation course is far more than a routine program but a carefully structured experience designed to introduce the corps members to the values, goals and vision of the NYSC.
“More importantly, it aims to promote unity, cultural understanding and a strong sense of patriotism. Although it is regimented in nature, the orientation course serves as a platform for physical and mental training, discipline and the development of a collective sense of responsibility,” she said.
Muhammad who announced that a total of 2583 corps members comprising 1182 males and 1402 females had successfully registered for the orientation noted that since their arrival, the corps members have displayed enthusiasm, resilience and an admiral El spirit of unity
“Their energy has created a positive atmosphere that gives us confidence in the success of this course,” she added.
She then revealed that the orientation course includes physical training, intellectual and motivational lectures, sporting and social activities and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
