The Editor
The National Youth Service Corps has sworn in 2,205 corps members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II, deployed to Anambra State for their national service.
The corps members, comprising of 961 males and 1,244 females were sworn in during the swearing-in ceremony held on Friday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area.
NYSC scheme was designed to promote national unity and integration while providing young graduates with the opportunity to contribute to the development of the country.
Speaking at the event, Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Ifeatu Emordi, declared the orientation course open and urged the corps members to feel at home and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Anambra State.
Soludo commended the corps members on the successful completing of their academic pursuits, adding that their decision to serve outside their immediate communities demonstrates their commitment to national unity, integration and nation-building.
He said, “You are arriving in Anambra at an exciting period in our state’s development. Our administration is committed to implementing the Anambra Vision 2070, which seeks to build a livable, prosperous and smart mega city.
“As you settle into your new environment, I encourage you to embrace the rich cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and hospitality of our people. Build meaningful relationships with your host communities, respect their traditions and contribute positively to the development of the state.
“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.
“Through our flagship ‘1Youth2Skills Programme’, the Anambra State Government has empowered 13,300 young people across the first and second phases, with grants totaling ₦5.5 billion. The programme has equipped beneficiaries with practical skills and provided support to help them establish and grow their businesses.
“I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity, just as your predecessors have done, by identifying relevant skills, developing viable business ideas and positioning yourselves to benefit from the programme when it commences.”
According to the governor, the state’s commitment extends to the digital and innovation ecosystem through the Solution Innovation District and related initiatives such as Code Anambra and Digital Tribe.
He added that these initiatives were creating opportunities for young people to acquire digital skills, explore technology, develop innovative solutions and participate in the emerging digital economy.
Earlier in her address, the State Coordinator, NYSC, Pauline Ojisua, congratulated the corps members on completing their higher education and qualifying for mobilisation.
Ojisua explained that the orientation course is the foundation of the service year and designed to prepare the corps members for the demands and responsibilities of national service as well as exposing them to programmes such as military drills, Man ‘O’ War activities, leadership training, language studies, entrepreneurship lectures, and sports.
She said, “Through paramilitary drills, lectures, Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, sporting competitions, social and cultural activities, and community development sensitisation, we seek to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, self-reliance and national integration.
“As at this morning, we have successfully registered 2,205 corps members, comprising 961 males and 1,244 females. They are settling in well and have demonstrated encouraging enthusiasm, cooperation and willingness to participate in the various camp activities.”
She urged the corps members to take every aspect of the programme seriously, by participating actively in every activity, respecting constituted authorities and embracing the spirit of teamwork with all discipline.
“Make good use of the SAED programme and acquire skills that will prepare you for life beyond the service year. Above all, remain security-conscious and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions and states.
“Let me commend the Camp Director, camp officials, NYSC staff, security personnel and all those working tirelessly behind the scenes for their dedication and commitment to ensuring a successful orientation course.
“To our dear corps members, welcome to Anambra State. We are delighted to have you and wish you a safe, rewarding and memorable service year,” she added.
Speaking to journalists at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Dr Nwabufo Nwankwo, described the NYSC scheme as a vital instrument for national integration and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups.
Nwankwo said deployment of graduates to states outside their places of origin exposed them to different cultures, promotes mutual understanding and strengthens their sense of national identity.
He encouraged the corps members to explore the state and experience its hospitality, describing it as accommodating and secure, urging Nigerian youths to shun violence, avoid criminal activities and obey law.
He stressed the need for them to demonstrate responsible conduct and contribute to national unity while commending the state governor for his developmental efforts in the state.
