By Our Reporter 

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Monday swore in 2,583 corps members deployed to Nasarawa State for the 2026 Batch B Stream I national service programme.

Governor Abdullahi Sule declared the orientation exercise open at the Magaji Dan Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp in Keffi Local Government Area.

Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Yakubu Kwanta, the governor congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their studies, which qualified them for the national assignment.

He said the scheme was established to promote national integration, cohesion, and community-based development through discipline and patriotism, which he described as critical components of the nation’s socio-economic development.

The governor assured the corps members that the orientation course is designed to equip them with the skills needed to face the challenges of the service year.

“It is also intended to acquaint you with the culture, customs, and traditions of the people to enable you to integrate freely with host communities,” he said.

He urged them to emulate their predecessors who served in the state and lived up to the ideals of the scheme.

“You have a responsibility to sustain the tempo throughout your service year. Similarly, you are expected to exhibit a high sense of commitment and due diligence by contributing your quota to the overall development of our society,” he said.

Governor Sule said the corps members were fortunate to be posted to Nasarawa State because of its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory and the vast economic opportunities in the state.

He assured them of his administration’s commitment to improving and sustaining their welfare.

“This disposition informed the execution of various projects in this orientation camp as part of our support to the scheme. I assure you that this will be sustained for the benefit of young Nigerians,” he said.

He commended NYSC management, course participants, and collaborating agencies for their dedication to the scheme’s objectives, and urged the corps members to familiarise themselves with the content of the NYSC Bye-Laws, which he called vital guides for the service year.

In her remarks, the Nasarawa State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Salamatu Muhammad, thanked the governor for his consistent support, which she said has greatly contributed to the success of the scheme in the state.

She explained that the orientation course is more than a routine programme, but a carefully structured experience designed to introduce corps members to the values, goals, and vision of the NYSC.

“More importantly, it aims to promote unity, cultural understanding, and a strong sense of patriotism. Although it is regimented in nature, the orientation course serves as a platform for physical and mental training, discipline, and the development of a collective sense of responsibility,” she said.

Muhammad announced that 2,583 corps members, comprising 1,182 males and 1,402 females, had registered for the orientation. She said the corps members had displayed enthusiasm, resilience, and an admirable spirit of unity since their arrival.

“Their energy has created a positive atmosphere that gives us confidence in the success of this course,” she added.

She said the orientation course includes physical training, intellectual and motivational lectures, sporting and social activities, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.