Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the programmes and activities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in the state, assuring corps members of improved welfare and infrastructure at the orientation camp.
The governor gave the assurance on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, during the swearing-in ceremony of 2026 Batch A Stream 1 corps members posted to Rivers State.
Governor Fubara was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Benibo Anabraba, who conveyed the administration’s goodwill to the newly deployed corps members. He stressed the importance of youth development to national progress, describing the NYSC scheme as a vital platform for nurturing leadership, unity and patriotism among young Nigerians.
“No nation can develop and be great without harnessing the potential of its youths and leaders of tomorrow,” the governor said in his address. He encouraged the corps members to embrace the objectives of the scheme, including national integration, discipline and selfless service to their host communities.
Fubara further assured the corps members that his administration was determined to improve facilities at the orientation camp to enhance their comfort and overall experience. According to him, the ongoing massive renovation and upgrade of camp facilities would be completed in record time, while additional infrastructure would be provided to cater for the growing number of corps members being posted to the oil-rich state.
He urged the new intakes to conduct themselves responsibly, obey camp rules and take advantage of skills acquisition and community development opportunities during their service year.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Moses Oleghe, commended Governor Fubara for his sustained support for the scheme, particularly the approval and commitment to the construction of a new hostel facility at the camp.
Oleghe disclosed that the proposed hostel would have a capacity of 1,000 occupants and would accommodate both male and female corps members, a development he said would significantly ease accommodation challenges and improve living conditions at the camp.
Providing an update on the deployment figures, the state coordinator announced that a total of 2,638 corps members had so far completed registration for the orientation exercise. This figure, he said, comprises 1,007 males and 1,631 females, adding that more than 300 corps members were yet to complete the registration process as of Friday.
The oath of allegiance was administered on the corps members by Hon. Justice Chika Mini, who represented the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi. The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the three-week orientation exercise, which includes paramilitary drills, lectures, physical training and skills acquisition programmes.
Observers say the renewed assurances from the state government underscore Rivers State’s continued recognition of the NYSC as a critical institution for youth development and national cohesion, particularly at a time when youth empowerment and engagement remain central to Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
