Don’t lose hope in Nigeria, Soludo tells corps members
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged 1,650 newly deployed National Youth Service Corps members in the state to use their service year to promote national unity, develop their skills and contribute to Nigeria’s progress.
Soludo gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 NYSC Batch B Stream II corps members at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, said the NYSC scheme offered young Nigerians a rare opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, serve outside their home states and gain a deeper understanding of the country.
He urged the corps members not to lose hope in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the country.
He reminded them of the pledge they had just made to serve under the rain and sunshine, saying their commitment was needed to move the country forward.
He said, “We don’t have any other country than Nigeria. I urge the corps members not to lose hope in Nigeria despite the challenges facing the country. The young graduates should believe in the country and in their own ability to make a difference.
“There is reason for optimism, and Nigerians must continue to believe that the country could get things right.
The responsibility of building a better Nigeria could not be left to the government alone, young Nigerians have an important role to play through their skills, ideas, discipline and commitment to public service.”
The governor also advised the corps members to look beyond the three-week orientation programme and explore the opportunities available to young people in Anambra.
He highlighted the state’s “1Youth 2 Skills programme”, “Solution Innovation District” and various skills acquisition initiatives, describing them as part of the government’s efforts to help young people become self-reliant.
“Some former corps members who served in Anambra, had decided to remain in the state after completing their service because of the opportunities they found here.
“Anambra is a state driven by enterprise and self-reliance, corps members are free to explore their talents and contribute to the state’s growing economy.
We also assured the corps members that their safety remained a priority for the government. The state will continue to work with NYSC authorities to make their stay comfortable and memorable, while encouraging them to learn from Anambra’s culture, economy and people,” he added.
In her speech, the NYSC State Coordinator, Pauline Ojisua, said 1,650 corps members had been officially registered for the orientation course.
Ojisua commended Soludo for his support for youth development and appealed to the state government to assist with the renovation and improvement of the female hostel, lecture hall and other critical facilities at the camp.
She urged the corps members to remain disciplined and participate fully in camp activities, particularly the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme.
She also reminded them that their conduct during the service year could distinguish them for state and national recognition.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Patrick Agha-Mba, described the NYSC scheme as one of Nigeria’s important tools for promoting national unity, integration, leadership and community service.
Agha-Mba congratulated the corps members on completing their academic studies and taking on the responsibility of national service.
He said the orientation programme was designed to equip them with leadership skills, resilience, discipline, teamwork and other practical abilities that would remain useful throughout their careers.
He urged them to take the SAED programme seriously, saying practical skills and entrepreneurship were increasingly important in a changing economy.
The commissioner also challenged the corps members to embrace Community Development Service and use their knowledge and talents to address real needs in the communities where they would be posted.
He assured them that the state government would continue working with NYSC management, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders to protect their welfare and safety.
Agha-Mba reminded the corps members that national service was not simply about completing a compulsory assignment, urging them to see it as an opportunity to serve, learn, build relationships and leave behind something worthwhile.