Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has charged corps members deployed to the state to uphold unity, discipline and entrepreneurship as key values for a successful service year, as the National Youth Service Corps swore in the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members.
The governor gave the charge at the swearing-in and official opening of the orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ise-Orun/Emure-Ekiti, stressing that the scheme remains a critical instrument for national integration and leadership development.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Olawale Olaleye, Oyebanji congratulated the corps members on the completion of their academic programmes, describing their deployment as a transition from learning to leadership and from personal advancement to national service.
He noted that cross-state deployment under the NYSC was deliberately designed to foster mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
The governor urged the corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, encouraging them to see themselves as job creators rather than job seekers. He assured them of the state government’s commitment to their welfare and safety, while acknowledging existing infrastructural challenges and ongoing efforts to improve camp facilities.
Oyebanji further advised the corps members to be law-abiding, disciplined and good ambassadors of the NYSC, urging them to integrate into their host communities and make meaningful, lasting contributions during their service year.
In his remarks, the Ekiti State Coordinator of the NYSC, Alhaji Riko Abdullahi, commended the state government for what he described as its “exceptional and steadfast” support for the scheme. He also encouraged the corps members to actively participate in camp activities and strive to be agents of positive change.
The ceremony ended with the Overall Corps Parade Commander leading the corps members in three hearty cheers for the Ekiti State Government.
