Nigeria looks to you for fresh ideas, Eno tells corps members

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to embrace unity, build lasting friendships and contribute fresh ideas towards Nigeria’s development.

The governor said the relationships formed during the orientation course could help shape the country’s future, stressing that Nigeria’s unity, peace and progress depend partly on how well corps members maximise the opportunity presented by the scheme.

Eno made the remarks on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC orientation camp.

Represented by the Director of Youth Development, Emmanuel Akpabio, who is overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development, the governor urged the corps members to ensure their contributions transcend ethnic, religious, linguistic and socio-cultural boundaries.

He said: “As strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, your contributions must transcend ethnic, religious, linguistic and socio-cultural boundaries.

“Our country looks to you for fresh ideas, renewed hope and the promise of a brighter future.

“Embrace this diversity as a source of strength and work together in harmony and mutual respect.

“Use this unique opportunity to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional lines. The bonds you form here may one day shape the future of our country.

“The unity, peace and progress of Nigeria depend, in part, on how well you maximise this experience.

“Nigeria needs your generation to demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is achievable and that the dreams of our founding fathers—a just, united and indivisible nation—are attainable and not merely a mirage. I therefore urge you to remain disciplined.”

The governor assured the corps members that his administration remained committed to their welfare and security throughout their service year.

He also promised that work would soon begin on improving facilities at the orientation camp.

According to him: “The Government of Akwa Ibom State remains firmly committed to your welfare and safety throughout your service year.

“We are taking deliberate steps to ensure your security and comfort.

“Be assured that your lives and property, as well as those of all residents of the state, will be adequately protected against any form of harassment or intimidation by individuals or groups with ill motives.

“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at your orientation camp. I assure you that work will commence very shortly.”

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Akuagbaogu Rosemary, urged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to prepare for life after service.

She said: “In view of the prevailing challenge of youth unemployment in our country, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC aimed at addressing this challenge.

“Take the programme seriously by choosing a skill and participating actively in all training sessions.”

The oath of allegiance was administered to the corps members by the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, who was represented by Justice Bassey Ekamen.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖