The 2026 batch A Corps members commence their orientation campaign in Bende, Abia State.
The members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, have commenced their orientation camping at Umunna in Bende, LGA of Abia State.
The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, welcomed and commended the corps members for their dedication and performance. He assured them of their security and comfort during their service here.
Afiatv reports that there are 1,820 young Nigerian corps members of the Batch A, deployed to Abia state from across the federation.
During the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation campaign, a welcoming address was delivered in Umunna Bende Local Government Area.
Governor Alexi, who emphasized the importance of service as a corps of leadership, urged them to utilize their service year to the fullest.
Governor Alexi Otti stated that we have gathered from different parts of the country to begin what promises to be an interesting journey in the service of our fatherland.
“Many may have arrived with a certain mindset, a past, and emotions of uncertainty about what the next 12 months have in store for them.
“As my opening statement suggests, you will be short-changing yourself if you fail to make the most of the opportunities that the National Youth Service Program offers.
You are certainly at the right place. So, refuse to entertain any fears from any quarters.
The governor maintains that the true essence of the program is to expose you to the great promise that Nigeria holds, using the vehicle of service.
“So, wherever you find yourself, all that is expected of you is to serve with devotion and a genuine sense of patriotism.
The governor said the state has a track record of rewarding those who serve diligently.
He added that one thing he can immediately assure them is that the state shall do everything within its powers to make their time here worthwhile.
Our state, Abia, has a long tradition of offering automatic employment to Corps members who excel in their service here.
The current head of service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere, and several others within the civil service are excellent ambassadors of this practice.
I’m sure you may have heard that our current head of service came here as a youth corper, finished his service as the best corper, and was given automatic employment in the civil service.
He rose through the ranks, and after over 20 years, he was appointed the head of service and the number one civil servant in Abia state, even though he originally came from Edo state. The governor stated.
The NYSC’s state coordinator, Mrs. Gladys Adama, a lawyer, said that of the 1,820 corps members, 1,016 were female, while 804 were male. She advised them to remain focused and actively participate throughout the orientation exercise.
Mrs. Gladys said the course content includes training in skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development, physical training, lectures, social activities, sport etc.
“These activities are aimed at instilling discipline, endurance, adaptability, teamwork, and patriotism in our corps members.
“Remain focused, work hard, obey all instructions that will come your way, and participate actively in all orientation course programs.
In an address to the corps members, the chairman of the NYSC governing board and commissioner for youth and sports development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, emphasized the importance of the orientation course for the corps members.
Nwaobilor Ananaba, chairman NYSC governing board and youth and sports development, Abia state, said, my dear corps members, I therefore congratulate you on your successes recorded in your various institutions of higher learning, which qualified you for this noble call up.
“I urge you to abide by the rules of engagement and take your aspect of the orientation course very seriously.
The corps members were later sworn in by the chief judge of the state, Justice Lillian Abai, represented by Justice Chisaram.
“The oath, that I shall and in particular I shall, A at all times and in all places, and in all places, Think, Act, regard myself, and speak first as a Nigerian, before anything else.
Afiatv reported that of the 10 platoons, took turns to sign the oath of allegiance. The ceremony also featured the tug of War game.
Some of the corps members spoke to Afia TV about how happy they were to be posted to Abia State. I feel very happy to be here.
One of the corps members said, in fact, I chose this place, that was what was in my mind.
So, when I saw my posting letter, and I saw Abia, I was so happy.
I chose Abia because the state has a very good governor who is performing excellently, and I have watched his developmental activities in the state. They are mind-blowing. So that was what influenced my decision to serve here.
Another corps member, Ogochukwu Ekwuoanu, said it feels so easy because our governor has made everything easy for us.
We started from the facilities, feeding, and everything else, and we’re all in good spirits. So, I’m really comfortable here in Abia state.
Another corps member maintains, I am deeply impressed with what they are accomplishing, and I am immensely grateful for the initiatives being taken by the governor of Abia State.
“I’m sure this isn’t just a place where people come and go, but it’s a place where we can build a future and a life.
I am immensely pleased to be a part of this camp, and I am confident that I will strive to achieve the objective of attending this event, as well as to contribute to the initiatives the governor has promised, she said.
NYSC is such an amazing place where you get to meet new people, bond with them, share ideas and opinions, but the areas that make members nervous in this one-year program are insecurity, fear, discomfort, and it’s not a good one. These are the parts that messed up the Experience.
What to expect and some things to look out for in the NYSC 2026 service year.
“Look forward to the beauty pageant,
“Look forward to skill acquisition, learning new things.
“Look forward to the exercise, jumping, climbing, and others.
Due to some members not liking it, because it is stressful, and to some, they have not been exposed to such exercises in their lifetime.
Some members enjoy learning things that they can perform independently.
Some corps members may not look forward to the exercise portion; this part is not for them. However, the truth is, a call you must obey.