By Bavoriat Dabo
Corps Members have been cautioned against exposing themselves to avoidable risks during their service year, as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) continues to prioritize their safety across the country.
The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave this charge while addressing members of the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I during his visit to the Niger State Orientation Camp in Paiko.
In a statement signed by the Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Caroline Embu, the DG reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to the security and wellbeing of Corps Members. He revealed that several strategic security measures have been mapped out to safeguard Corps Members throughout their one-year national service.
“Play your part diligently and you will enjoy a hitch-free service year,” he advised, while urging the Corps Members to adhere strictly to camp rules and regulations. He also warned that violations of the Scheme’s by-laws would attract disciplinary measures.
Earlier, at the Swearing-in Ceremony, the NYSC Niger State Coordinator, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, welcomed the new Corps Members, emphasizing that the orientation programme would instill in them the core values of the NYSC—patriotism, discipline, unity, and service.
She noted that the Orientation Course was designed not only to prepare them for national service but also to expose them to skill acquisition programmes that would foster entrepreneurial thinking and economic empowerment.
“The NYSC has made provisions for your intellectual and physical development through lectures, skills acquisition sessions, and physical drills,” she said.
Declaring the Orientation Exercise open, the Governor of Niger State, Hon. Umar Muhammad Bago, described the NYSC as one of the most enduring instruments of national integration and youth development in Nigeria.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC Niger State Governing Board, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, Governor Bago commended the NYSC for its consistency in mobilizing graduate youths and instilling in them noble values such as integrity, teamwork, patriotism, and tolerance.
He praised the immense contributions of Corps Members across various sectors of the Nigerian economy and called on the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Corps Members to see themselves as nation-builders, especially at a time when the country is grappling with complex challenges.
“Your service year is coming at a crucial time in our national journey. I urge you to channel your energy, intellect, and passion towards issues of national development. You are agents of change—be proud of that,” the Governor said.
He further assured that his administration is committed to creating a conducive environment for the Scheme to thrive in the State, with plans underway to upgrade the Orientation Camp facilities for the comfort of all Corps Members.
Governor Bago also called on security agencies to continue partnering with the State Government to ensure the safety and protection of Corps Members across Niger State.
The Oath of Allegiance was administered to a total of 1,025 Corps Members 456 males and 569 females by Hon. Justice Mohammed Mohammed, officially marking the beginning of their national service journey.
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