Kwara State Governor guarantees safety of youth service participants, calls for national loyalty

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has given his assurance to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I National Youth Service Corps members deployed to the state, guaranteeing their safety and a favorable environment for the duration of their one-year national service.

n

The governor also emphasized the importance of embracing patriotism, selfless service, and community development, highlighting that the service year presents an opportunity for the corps members to make significant contributions to national development.

n

AbdulRazaq's remarks were made at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members, which took place at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.

n

A statement issued on Wednesday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Modupe Joel, confirmed the governor's representation at the event by the Deputy Governor.

n

The Governor congratulated the corps members on completing their academic pursuits, stating that the National Youth Service Corps offers a unique opportunity for them to make meaningful contributions to national development, and emphasizing that patriotism should go beyond mere words.

n

AbdulRazaq noted that previous corps members serving in Kwara had distinguished themselves through impactful community development projects, and he challenged the new batch to make the most of their 12-month service year by leaving lasting legacies in their host communities.

n

He cited examples of corps members who had renovated classrooms, established ICT centres, and organised medical outreach programmes across the state, leaving enduring examples of selfless service and commitment to community development.

n

The governor urged the corps members to take full advantage of the orientation programme, particularly the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development initiative, describing the three-week orientation course as a period of discipline, preparation, and personal transformation.

n

AbdulRazaq assured the corps members that the Kwara State Government remains committed to providing a safe and enabling environment throughout their service year, and he urged them to comply with all security guidelines and cooperate with NYSC authorities to ensure a rewarding experience.

n

The governor commended the leadership of the NYSC in the state, particularly the State Coordinator, Olaoluwa Joshua Onifade, for ensuring the successful commencement of the orientation exercise.

n

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator disclosed that 1,496 corps members, comprising 703 males and 793 females, had been deployed to Kwara for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I service year.

n

Onifade emphasized that the oath of allegiance taken by the corps members is a solemn commitment not only to themselves but also to over 200 million Nigerians, representing a pledge to serve with integrity, discipline, and dedication.

n

The NYSC State Coordinator commended AbdulRazaq for his unwavering support for the NYSC scheme in the state, describing it as a practical and sustained commitment reflected in infrastructure and welfare interventions.

n

Onifade urged the corps members to strive to make lasting impacts wherever they were posted, encouraging them to make every day of their service year count and leave a legacy wherever they were posted.

n

He emphasized the importance of making a positive difference, whether by improving a school or clinic, teaching a new skill, or solving a problem.

n

Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Kwara State Governing Board, Shehu Usman, also spoke, urging the corps members to make service and impact the hallmark of their national assignment.

n

Usman encouraged the corps members to identify needs and add value, whether posted to a classroom, a healthcare facility, or any other community assignment, and to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme seriously as it offers their first opportunity for financial independence.