Eno urges corps members to leave lasting legacy

Nkereuwem Effiong

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to serve with dedication, patriotism and integrity, and to leave a lasting legacy in their host communities.

The governor gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the orientation course held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung, in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.

Represented by the Director of Youth Development in the Ministry of Youth Development, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, Eno encouraged the corps members to build on the achievements of their predecessors through meaningful contributions to community development during their one-year national service.

He assured them that Akwa Ibom remains one of the country’s most peaceful and hospitable states, urging them to integrate with their host communities while respecting their cultures, values and traditions.

“Your predecessors left remarkable legacies in various spheres of human endeavour across the state. It is therefore your responsibility to maintain and even surpass these achievements by contributing positively to the growth and transformation of your host communities.

“At this stage, you cannot afford to let the nation down,” the governor said.

He noted that the corps members’ educational qualifications, acquired skills and deployment across different parts of the state placed them in a strong position to contribute to national development.

The governor also called on them to promote civic responsibility and support efforts to build a peaceful, egalitarian and prosperous society through community engagement and public enlightenment.

Eno further cautioned the corps members against travelling at night, describing it as a major safety risk.

“If you are travelling and it is after 6.00 p.m., stop over at a Corps Lodge, Police Station or Military Barracks. Most of the lives lost under the NYSC scheme over the years have resulted from night travel. Please, be wise,” he advised.