Governor Abiodun Charges Corps Members To Embrace Nation-Building As 2,904 Commence Orientation Course

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The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the youth as the engine driving his administration’s development agenda, urging newly deployed corps members to see their one-year national service as a call to shape the destiny of the nation rather than merely fulfil a civic obligation.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, spoke on Friday at the formal opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

Governor Abiodun commended the corps members for the discipline and academic commitment that brought them to the milestone, describing their induction into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a solemn call to duty, patriotism and purposeful nation-building.

The governor said his administration remained committed to empowering young people through mentorship programmes, scholarships, sports development and capacity-building initiatives, alongside targeted investments in agriculture, technology, education, entrepreneurship and vocational training.

According to him, these interventions are designed to equip youths with the right skills, mindset and platforms to excel and to secure both the state’s and the nation’s future.

He urged the corps members to align with his administration’s “Building Our Future Together” agenda, enjoining them to embrace patriotism, integrity and diligence while shunning antisocial behaviour throughout their service year.

The governor further assured them of Ogun State’s reputation as one of the most peaceful states in the federation, noting that residents are known for their warmth and hospitality, and pledged that the welfare and security of the corps members would remain a top priority of his government.

Rounding off his address, Governor Abiodun commended the NYSC management, security agencies and other stakeholders for their coordination in organising the orientation course, and congratulated the new corps members on their call to national service, describing it as a moment of honour for their families, communities and the nation at large.

In her own remarks, the Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Frances Omolabake Adewuyi, welcomed the governor’s representative, the Chief Judge of Ogun State’s representative, Honourable Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, who administered the oath of allegiance, and other dignitaries to the ceremony on behalf of the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu.

Mrs Adewuyi disclosed that a total of 2,904 prospective corps members, comprising 1,271 males and 1,633 females, had been successfully registered for the three-week orientation course, adding that they had conducted themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner since their arrival at the camp.

The state coordinator explained that the orientation course was structured to instil discipline, teamwork, leadership and self-reliance in the corps members ahead of their service year, and urged them to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, noting that practical skills would help them create opportunities for themselves and others in a competitive world.

She charged the corps members to obey camp rules, respect constituted authority and study their NYSC handbook diligently, stressing that their conduct during the orientation course would set the tone for their service year.

Mrs Adewuyi further enjoined them to strive to make a positive difference in their host communities when eventually posted, noting that outstanding service attracts recognition, but that the greatest reward remains the positive change left behind.

She concluded by thanking Governor Abiodun for his continued support for the NYSC scheme in Ogun State, as well as collaborating agencies, security personnel and camp officials, and wished the corps members a rewarding orientation course and a successful service year ahead.

The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic signing of the Oath of Allegiance form by representatives of the 10 platoons. The exercise was conducted by the Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, the chief Judge of the state represented by Hon. Justice Gboyega Ogunfowora.

Also present was HRM Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, represented by Oba Kolawole Aremu Sowemimo, Olu of Owode Egba.