Shun ethnic bigotry for national unity, Eno tells corps members
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Akwa Ibom State must reject ethnic and religious discrimination and champion national unity during their service year, Governor Umo Eno has urged.
Speaking on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Eno called on the youth to serve with patriotism and unwavering commitment.
Etim Ekpimah
National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Akwa Ibom State must reject ethnic and religious discrimination and champion national unity during their service year, Governor Umo Eno has urged.
Speaking on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Eno called on the youth to serve with patriotism and unwavering commitment.
Represented by Emmanuel Akpabio, Director of Youth Development in the Ministry of Youth Development, the governor reminded corps members that the orientation camp represents a microcosm of Nigeria, where diversity should be embraced as a source of strength.
“As strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, your contributions must transcend ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socio-cultural boundaries,” Eno said. “Our country looks to you for fresh ideas, renewed hope, and the promise of a brighter future.”
Responding to concerns over local living conditions, Governor Eno assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their safety, welfare, and camp infrastructure. He reiterated his pledge to renovate the orientation facility, confirming that remedial work would commence shortly.
Earlier, the Akwa Ibom NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Ngozi Akuagbaogu, confirmed that 1,579 corps members—comprising 713 males and 866 females—had successfully registered for the orientation exercise.
Highlighting the economic challenges facing young people, Akuagbaogu urged corps members to participate actively in the scheme’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
“The SAED programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC aimed at curbing youth unemployment,” Akuagbaogu noted. “Take the programme seriously by choosing a skill and participating actively in all training sessions.”
She also drew attention to the deteriorating state of the camp’s infrastructure, noting that the onset of the rainy season had made repairs an urgent priority, and appealed for the governor’s swift intervention.
The ceremony concluded with Justice Bassey Ekanem administering the oath of allegiance to the new corps members.
