By Orumwense Sarah O.
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has officially declared opened, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2025 Batch A, 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 Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Balogun Aiyegbeni, welcoming the corps members, described Edo State as a land rich in culture, history and opportunities. He assured the corps members of security and their safety in a conducive environment, saying the State is where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully, while enjoying a fulfilling service year.
The Governor reiterated that the 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 interest in 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 National Youth Service Corps 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 Camp in Edo State joined its counterparts across the Federation and commenced the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025. She stated that as at midnight of Thursday, 24th April, 2025, a total 0f 1344 prospective Corps members comprising of 579 males and 765 female corps members had been duly registered and are ready to be sworn in as members of the NYSC.
Mrs. Ben-Ushie 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 individual and professionals. She said the NYSC Platform provides a unique avenue to meet people from diverse backgrounds, build lifelong friendship, and create networks that can open doors to greater opportunities. She urged corps members to be disciplined and be willing to learn as it is the means of successfully realising the objectives of the NYSC.
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, Mrs. Ben-Ushie assured the Governor of the NYSC’s continued contributions to the State’s socio-economic development. She asserted that the scheme has over the years, consistently provided skilled manpower for critical sectors of the State, enhancing labour mobility, and promoting national unity through the deployment of corps members across all communities in the State.
She highlighted some pressing challenges that currently affect the smooth implementation of some NYSC programmes in the State and solicited the intervention of government.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to corps members by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Justice Vestee Otumaye Eboreime. The corps members swore to serve their fatherland with dedication, honesty, and loyalty.
