By Udoh Umoh
Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged Corps Members deployed to the State to avoid ethnic and religious discrimination in their contributions to nation building during the service year.
Eno gave the advice on Friday during the swearing in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream 11 corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
The governor, represented by Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, Director, Youth Development in the Ministry of Youth Development charged them to be patriotic and committed to their services.
He reminded the corps members that the camp represents a miniature Nigeria, where every part of the nation was represented, stressing that they embrace the diversity as a source of strength.
“As strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, your contributions must transcend ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socio-cultural boundaries.
“Our country looks to you for fresh ideas, renewed hope,
and the promise of a brighter future,” Eno said.
Eno assured the corps members of the state government commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the service year.
He reiterated the assurance of the government to renovate infrastructure at the orientation camp as promised very soon.
“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at
your Orientation Camp. I assure you that work will
commence very shortly,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, Akwa Ibom NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Ngozi Akuagbaogu, said that
a total of 1,579 corps members, comprising 713 males and 866 females, were successfully registered for orientation exercise.
Akuagbaogu charged the corps members to embrace the Skills Acquisition and
Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme of the scheme in view of the prevailing challenge of youth
unemployment in our country.
“The Skills Acquisition and
Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC aimed at curbing this challenge.
“Take the programme seriously by choosing a skill and participate actively in all training sessions,” Akuagbaogu said.
The state coordinator decried the current condition of the camp facilities, stressing that it had become a matter of serious concern with the rainy season.
She appealed to the governor to urgently intervene in the deplorable infrastructure in the camp as promised.
Our Correspondent reports that the highlight of the ceremony was the administration of oath of allegiance on the corps members by by Justice Bassey Ekanem.
