The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced that work will begin soon to improve facilities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, as Governor Umo Eno assured members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II that their safety and welfare would be protected throughout their service year.
Eno gave the assurance on Friday during the swearing in ceremony for the corps members at the NYSC orientation camp. He was represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, who is overseeing the duties of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development.
The governor said the government was aware of the poor condition of the camp and had decided to act.
“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at your orientation camp. I assure you that work will commence very shortly,” he said.
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He also told the corps members that the state government would protect them and other residents from harassment or intimidation.
“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.
“Be assured that your lives and property, as well as those of all residents of the state, will be adequately protected against any form of harassment or intimidation by individuals or groups with ill motives.”
Unity across Nigeria
Eno told the corps members to use their time at the orientation camp to make friends with people from different parts of the country.
He said they should not allow ethnic, religious, language or cultural differences to divide them, noting that the relationships they build during the service year could help Nigeria in the future.
“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.
“Embrace this diversity as a source of strength and work together in harmony and mutual respect. Use this unique opportunity to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional lines. The bonds you form here may one day shape the future of our country. The unity, peace and progress of Nigeria depend, in part, on how well you maximise this 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. I therefore urge you to remain disciplined.”
The governor told the corps members that their conduct during the service year should show respect for people from different backgrounds.
Learn a skill
The State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Akuagbaogu Rosemary, congratulated the corps members on reaching the orientation stage of the scheme.
She advised them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously because of unemployment among young people in the country.
“In view of the prevailing challenge of youth unemployment in our country, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC aimed at addressing this challenge.
“Take the programme seriously by choosing a skill and participating actively in all training sessions.”
The SAED programme is an NYSC training scheme that teaches corps members practical skills that can help them start businesses or earn a living after completing national service.
The swearing in ceremony ended with the administration of the oath of allegiance to the corps members by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, who was represented by Justice Bassey Ekamen.
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