By Michael Ovat-Awka
A total of 2,205 prospective corps members have been sworn in for the 2026 Batch C, Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation exercise in Anambra State, as philanthropist and community leader, High Chief Christopher Ndubisi, popularly known as Ikenga Umuawulu, intervened to tackle the erosion menace threatening the state’s permanent orientation camp.
The corps members, comprising 961 males and 1,244 females, took their oath of allegiance on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, said the three-week orientation programme was designed to prepare the corps members for the demands, responsibilities and challenges of national service.
Ojisua specifically acknowledged the intervention of High Chief Christopher Ndubisi in addressing the erosion problem at the camp, describing his contribution as significant in protecting camp facilities and improving the safety of the environment.
“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Ikenga Umuawulu, as well as the state government, security agencies, our host communities, traditional institutions, corps members’ employers, private organisations and other stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the successful implementation of our programmes,” she said.
She urged the corps members to take full advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that would prepare them for life after their service year.
According to her, the orientation exercise combines paramilitary drills, lectures, skills acquisition, sporting competitions, social and cultural activities, and community development sensitisation to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, self-reliance and national integration.
“Above all, remain security-conscious and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions and states,” she advised.
Declaring the orientation course open, Governor Chukwuma Soludo commended the corps members for responding to the national call to service after successfully completing their academic pursuits.
Soludo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Ifeatu Emodi, said their decision to serve outside their immediate communities demonstrated their commitment to national unity, integration and nation-building.
He assured the corps members that his administration would prioritise their welfare and security, promising to work closely with the NYSC State Secretariat, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe and conducive environment throughout their service year.
The governor also encouraged them to embrace the rich cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and hospitality of Anambra people, build meaningful relationships with their host communities, respect local traditions and contribute positively to the state’s development.
“I urge you, in turn, to remain security-conscious, obey the laws of the state and conduct yourselves responsibly. As young people, you represent an important part of our nation’s future.
“This is why our administration places significant emphasis on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition and job creation,” he added.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the beginning of the corps members’ three-week orientation programme ahead of their deployment to various places of primary assignment across Anambra State.
