The Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has urged members of the 2025 Batch “B” Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps to embrace discipline, patriotism, and responsibility as they begin their service year in the state.
Speaking during the swearing-in and opening ceremony of the exercise held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, on Friday, Soludo, represented by the state Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Mba, reminded the corps members that the oath of allegiance they had taken was not a mere ritual, but a solemn covenant to uphold the values of service, integrity, unity, and sacrifice.
The governor praised the NYSC as one of Nigeria’s most enduring post-civil war institutions, stressing its pivotal role in fostering integration and grassroots development.
He said, “Corps members have continued to contribute significantly to education, healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and community development across the state.
“Do not merely pass through Anambra. Let Anambra pass through you. Take advantage of the opportunities here, and leave your mark.
“Wherever you are posted, let your presence be felt, not only in the khaki uniform you wear, but in the integrity, kindness, and impact you leave behind.”
Soludo further cited inspiring examples of corps members who had gone beyond their primary assignments to transform communities, including one who rebuilt a long-abandoned facility in Ayamelum LGA and earned both a State Honours Award and the admiration of the host community.
While assuring the corps members of the government’s commitment to their welfare, Soludo pledged continuous improvements to camp facilities and reiterated his administration’s vision of building human capital through programmes like the ‘Solution Innovation District’, ‘Code Anambra Tech Bootcamps’, ‘One Youth, Two Skills Initiative’, and ‘Youth-in-Agribusiness Projects’.
The governor was earlier received at the Quarter Guard by a Guard of Honour mounted by the Corps members, before the Coordinator introduced the camp officials to him.
In her remarks, the state NYSC Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, noted that the orientation course, which officially commenced a few days ago, is designed to instil in the corps members the values of discipline, patriotism, leadership, and national unity, while also equipping them with physical fitness, citizenship training, skills acquisition, and social integration.
“I am pleased to report that a total of 2,157 Corps Members (1,128 males and 1,029 females) successfully registered in this Stream.
“They have settled in well, showing admirable enthusiasm and resilience in adapting to camp life.
“For their welfare, we have fixed additional wash hand basins across the camp to strengthen hygiene and recalibrated accommodation arrangements to ensure proper spacing and healthier living conditions.
“We deeply appreciate the Anambra State Government for its steadfast support, as well as the Army, Police, DSS, NDLEA, Civil Defence, Red Cross, Man O’ War, and other stakeholders whose contributions remain invaluable.
“However, challenges remain. Our camp infrastructure is overstretched, with inadequate accommodation for camp officials and collaborating agencies.
“We humbly appeal to the State Government and partners to assist us in addressing these deficits to create a more conducive training environment, Ojisua added.
She further urged corps members to see the orientation as the foundation of their service year, advising them to embrace the drills, lectures, and skills with open minds, build friendships across cultures, and uphold the values of discipline and unity.
The oath of allegiance was administered on behalf of the State Chief Judge, Justice Anyachebelu, by Justice D.C. Maduechesi.
