A’Ibom govt pledges to renovate NYSC dilapidated structure

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State is to renovate all dilapidated infrastructure in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp to make it conducive for corps members.

Eno made the promise during the swearing-in ceremony of 2025 Batch A Stream 1 corps members posted to the State at the permanent orientation camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai LGA on Friday.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, urged corps members to make good use of the opportunity given to them to serve their fatherland.

“I have been informed about the dilapidated state of your infrastructure on camp. Let me assure you that we will roll up our sleeves and fix the orientation camp to a befitting standard for your convenience,” Eno said.

Eno charged the corps members to use the opportunity of the one year service to make new friends, across geo-political zones, stressing that the future of the nation depends on what they make out of the exercise.

He urged them to contribute their quota to the development of the country individually or collectively, stressing that the nation was looking up to them as future leaders.

“As stakeholders in Nigerian projects, it is incumbent on you to continue the building process across linguistic, religious, ethic and socio-cultural boundaries.

“Knowing fully well that Nigerians are looking up to you to give the country a substantially improved prospect and refreshing change.

“The Akwa Ibom State Government will continue to perform its task of giving everyone of you the needed opportunities to contribute to the overall growth of our economy.

“As we are consciously taking every necessary step to ensure that your life and property, including that of other citizens, are protected against all forms of molestation and abuse,” Eno noted.

Eno urged the corps members to have a healthy attitude to work and play, and open their hearts to learning new things, and embrace innovations and changes as they interact with people across the country.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, charged corps members to do away with the stereotyped information and preconceived notions about the state and be ready to learn, unlearn and relearn

Ekanem, represented by the Director, Youth Development, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, reminded the corps members that the scheme was to foster national unity, cohesion and integration among Nigerians.

Earlier, the Akwa Ibom Coordinator, Mr Sam Pepple, disclosed that at the end of registration, a total of 1600 corps members were registered for the service, comprising 597 males and 1003 females.

Pepple urged the corps members to participate actively in all the activities in order to equip themselves with the basic ingredients of leadership.

“The other cardinal programmes include: Primary Assignment, Community Development Service, Winding up and Passing out and our unwritten flagship programme, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development,” he said.

He thanked the governor for his support of the NYSC and collaborating Agencies, Partners and Camp officials for their steadfastness and commitment.

The coordinator assured that NYSC would continue to count on the magnanimous support of the state government, in all spheres, as always, and the hospitality of all and sundry to succeed in these daunting but surmountable tasks.