The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi on Friday swore in 1,375 corps members deployed to the state for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation exercise.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Asaya, in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area of the state.
Addressing the corps members, the Kogi NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Chika Chris-Moneke, congratulated them on their successful mobilization and welcomed them to the state.
Chris-Moneke urged the corps members to uphold the core values of the scheme, including discipline, sacrifice, responsibility, and commitment to national unity.
She said that the three-week orientation course was designed to promote leadership, peaceful coexistence, and national integration among Nigerian youths.
The coordinator commended the corps members for their discipline and enthusiasm since arriving at the camp and encouraged them to participate actively in all camp activities.
She particularly urged them to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
According to her, the SAED initiative is designed to equip corps members with practical skills for self-reliance and economic empowerment.
Chris-Moneke also appreciated the Kogi Government, judiciary, security agencies and camp officials for their continued support toward the successful conduct of the orientation exercise.
The Kogi Chief Judge, Justice Josiah Mejabi, represented by Justice Saliu Zubayr, administered the Oath of Allegiance to the corps members.
He charged them to serve the nation with loyalty, dedication and integrity throughout their service year.
Declaring the orientation course open on behalf of Gov. Ahmed Ododo, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in the state, Mr Monday Anyebe welcomed the corps members to Kogi.
Anyebe described the NYSC as a vital platform for promoting national integration, cultural exchange and youth development.
He urged the corps members to remain disciplined, hardworking, tolerant, and patriotic while serving as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions, and states.
He assured them of the Kogi government’s commitment to ensuring their safety, welfare and well-being throughout their service year in the state.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, government officials and representatives of security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Also in attendance was the representative of the Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Owoniyi.
