Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has described members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as vital partners in Nigeria’s nation-building and youth-driven development, as the state formally opened the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 NYSC Orientation Course.
The opening ceremony was held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area, where about 1,500 corps members were sworn in after taking the Oath of Allegiance.
The oath was administered by the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice O.M. Anyachebelu, represented by Justice A.O. Okuma.
In a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, Governor Soludo urged the newly deployed corps members to see their service year as a defining phase of personal growth and national responsibility.
“Today marks not only the beginning of your national service, but also the start of a defining chapter in your journey as young Nigerians entrusted with the future of our nation,” Soludo said.
He stressed that the NYSC oath represents a lifelong commitment to unity, integrity, discipline and selfless service, adding that these values must extend beyond the orientation camp.
“For over five decades, the NYSC has remained a cornerstone of Nigeria’s nation-building efforts. In Anambra State, corps members have consistently contributed to education, healthcare, agriculture, technology and community development,” he noted.
The governor challenged the corps members to surpass the achievements of their predecessors by leaving legacies of innovation, compassion and measurable impact in their host communities.
Highlighting his administration’s youth-centred development agenda under Anambra Vision 2070, Soludo said the state is deliberately building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society driven by empowered young people.
He cited initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District (SID), Code Anambra, One Youth Two Skills Plus, and targeted agribusiness and entrepreneurship schemes, noting that over 36,000 youths have already been empowered with digital and vocational skills.
According to him, more than 13,300 youths have received skills training and grants amounting to ₦5.5 billion for business start-ups and expansion, while the ongoing One Million Anambra Digital Tribe programme aims to equip one million youths with digital skills.
“Many before you have acquired digital skills, accessed grants, started businesses and even chosen Anambra as their long-term home. You are encouraged to fully participate in these programmes,” he said.
The governor urged corps members to immerse themselves in the Anambra experience, obey camp rules, respect constituted authority and local cultures, promote peace, and conduct themselves with dignity and responsibility.
“True service is measured not by attendance, but by impact. Be solution-driven, identify challenges within your host communities and apply your knowledge creatively,” he added.
Discipline and Professionalism
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, disclosed that 1,500 prospective corps members, comprising 616 males and 884 females were successfully registered for the orientation programme.
She described the orientation course as the foundation of the service year, explaining that military drills, physical training, leadership development and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme would equip corps members for effective service and self-reliance.
“Discipline remains the cornerstone of the scheme,” Ojisua said, assuring that camp officials, security agencies, medical teams and collaborating partners had been fully mobilised to ensure the welfare and safety of participants throughout the programme.
The Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Aghamba, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the security, welfare and empowerment of corps members. He also commended the NYSC leadership for its professionalism and preparedness.
The ceremony featured a Man-O-war tug-of-war display by corps members and was attended by traditional rulers, heads of federal establishments and senior government officials.