By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has officially declared open the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2025 Batch B, Stream I Orientation Course for corps members deployed to the State, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Sen. Okpebholo, represented by the Director of Administration, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Mrs. Anthonia Odia Okolo, gave a warm welcome and described Edo State as a land rich in culture, history, and opportunities. He assured corps members of their security and safety in a conducive environment, where they can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy a fulfilling service year.
The Governor reiterated that Edo State holds immense potentials for personal and professional growth, with numerous opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, entrepreneurship, tourism, amongst others. He assured corps members of his administration’s commitment to their successes.
In his words, “We believe that you, as young Nigerians, your enthusiasm, creativity, and eagerness to learn are qualities that can leave an indelible mark on Edo State. The NYSC has a mission to unite our Nation, foster development, and empower young people. I urge you to cooperate fully with the NYSC Management during and after the Orientation programme.
He concluded that the orientation programme is designed to equip them with skills, knowledge, and the mindset needed to excel during the service year and in their future endeavours, and as such, it should be given the attention it deserves.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances Ifeoma, noted that the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Edo State joined its counterparts across the Federation and commenced the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course on Wednesday, 30th July 2025. She stated that as at midnight of Thursday, 1st August 2025, a total of 1033 prospective Corps members, comprising 464 males and 569 female corps members, had been duly registered and are ready to be sworn in as members of the NYSC.
Brigadier General Nafiu congratulated the Corps members for their successful enlistment into the noble Scheme, stating that it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, which will contribute to their growth as individuals and professionals. She said the NYSC Platform provides a unique avenue to meet people from diverse backgrounds, build lifelong friendships, and create networks that can open doors to greater opportunities. She urged Corps members to be disciplined and bewilling to learn, as it is the means of successfully realizing the objectives of the NYSC.
The NYSC Director-General while appreciating the Edo State Government for continuously providing luxurious buses to convey Corps members to the 18 LGAs at the end of every Orientation Camp, highlighted some pressing challenges that are currently affecting the smooth implementation of NYSC programmes in the State. He assured the Governor of the NYSC’s continued contributions to the State’s socio-economic development, asserting that the Scheme has over the years, consistently provided skilled manpower for critical sectors of the State, enhancing labour mobility and promoting national unity.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP. Monday Agbonika, represented by the DPO. of Okada Police Division, CSP. Opatoyinbo John; the Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, represented by the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Charles Ochem; the representative of the Director of DSS, Mr. Innocent Frank; the Director of NSCDC, represented by CSC. E. Omoregie.
