By Olukayode Babalola
Gov. Abdullahi Sule has urged 2,617 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Nasarawa state not to underestimate their contributions to the state’s growth and development.
Sule stated this during swearing in ceremony of the 2026 Batch C Stream I set’s orientation course on Friday at the Magaji Dan Yamusa Permanent orientation camp in Keffi.
Sule represented by Mr Jubril Ibrahim, Nasarawa state Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development urged the corps members to not see their postings to communities in the state after the three weeks orientation exercise as a mere requirement for completing the service year.
He said they should rather see it as an opportunity to make meaningful contribution to the communities in which they find themselves.
“Do not underestimate the value of the little things you can do. A teacher who inspires a child, a health worker who serves a rural community with dedication, a volunteer who mobilizes young people for development, or a Corps Member who introduces a useful innovation can make a lasting difference,” he said.
He then congratulated the corps members for the successful completion of their studies which qualified them for the the national service, noting that the scheme was established to promote national integration and community-based development mechanism through discipline and patriotism as a critical component of socio-economic development of the nation.
“Let me remind you that today marks the beginning of an important chapter in your lives. The National Youth Service Corps Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring instruments for promoting national unity, fostering patriotism and strengthening the bonds that exist among our diverse peoples.
“It is imperative to state that, over the years the NYSC scheme has played significant roles by impacting positively on the lives of millions of people in the State. Particularly, in the rural communities where corps members have contributed immensely in educating our children, as well as embarked on Community Development Projects,” he said.
He reiterated the importance of youths as agents of socio-economic development, vowing that his administration will continue to collaborate and support the effort of the NYSC scheme in realizing its lofty ideals and objectives.
He then called on the corps members to pay attention to the lessons and other paramilitary training that they will receive while on camp, adding that these endeavours will continue to strengthen their physical and mental capacities which will prepare them for the enormous tasks ahead.
“I charge you to be guided by the oath which you have just subscribed to a moment ago. Therefore, I expect you to display the spirit of loyalty, discipline, hard work and, indeed, patriotism to the service of our nation.
“I wish to assure the NYSC authorities and our dear corps members that the Nasarawa state government will continue to collaborate with the NYSC and relevant security agencies to ensure the welfare and security of corps members serving in the state,” he added.
In her remarks, Mrs Salamatu Muhammad, Coordinator of the scheme in the state appreciated the governor for his presence and the consistent support his administration has extended to the NYSC scheme in the state.
She explained that the orientation course is far more than a routine programme but a carefully structured experience designed to introduce the corps member to the values, goals and vision of the NYSC.
Muhammad said a total of 2617 corps members comprising 1215 males and 1402 females successfully registered for the orientation, adding that since their arrival the corps members had displayed enthusiasm , resilience, adaptability and determination to make the most of the experience.
She assured the corps members that NYSC management and camp officials are committed to making their experience worthwhile but their active participation will go a long way in achieving that objective. (NAN)
