By Onyeje Abutu-Joel
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday, swore in 1,000 corps members for the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course in Benue.
The State Coordinator, Mrs Veronica Garba, gave the figure in her welcome address during the swearing-in ceremony at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area of Benue.
Garba said the corps members comprised of 407 males and 493 females.
She urged the corps members to engage in all camp activities designed to develop their leadership potential and national consciousness.
She added it would help them contribute their quota to national development after the service year.
The Coordinator thanked Benue government for its unwavering support to the NYSC, urging it not to relent, but continue to work as partner to advance the scheme in particular and the nation in general.
In his address, Gov Hyacinth Alia, congratulated the corps members for the successful completion of their studies from their respective institutions of learning within and outside the country.
Alia, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Creativity, Mr Tiza Imojime said that the scheme had proven to play a pivotal role as an institution for nation building and national integration.
He, therefore, encouraged the corps members to settle down quickly, adjust and adapt to the camp environment by interacting and integrating with their colleagues from other communities, regions and states in line with the NYSC core values.
The governor noted that it was logical that finding themselves in a strange land would create all sorts of doubt and fear, but assured them that being in Benue was ‘home away from home’.
Alia also assured the corps members that his government was synergising with security agencies in the state to ensure their safety on camp and their places of primary assignments.
“Sadly, our nation is currently bedeviled with security challenges and Benue state has not been left out.
“However, let me quickly allay your fears and assure you that as a government, we are poised to ensuring that your security is guaranteed all through your stay in the state.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our administration in conjunction with all security agencies have put in place giant proactive measures to ensure the safety of all places and residential areas of corps members in the state”, Alia said. NAN
