Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi state has urged members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to acquire entrepreneurship skills and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities and Nigeria.
Nwifuru gave the charge at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Afikpo, describing Ebonyi as peaceful, hospitable and endowed with agricultural potentials.
The governor said Ebonyi is a state with emerging economic opportunities, noting that his administration remained committed to human capital development.
“My administration is committed to youth empowerment, infrastructural development, agriculture and skills acquisition.
“This is part of efforts to create opportunities and equip young people for a changing world.”
“”I therefore encourage you to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme with opportunities in skills, enterprise and problem-solving rather than sole reliance on paid employment.”
He urged the corps members to make the service year, a period of learning, personal transformation and community service,
“You should use your Community Development Service projects to address needs in education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental protection, digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
“I also charge you to respect the laws, traditions and values of your host communities.
‘You should use the scheme to promote national unity and integration among Nigerians from diverse backgrounds.
“The state government is continually commited to your welfare, security and well-being throughout the service year as I urge you to remain disciplined and responsible.”
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Malgwi Maidariya, welcomed the corps members, noting that the orientation course was designed to equip them with knowledge, values and practical skills needed to become resilient, responsible and service-oriented citizens.
Maidariya appealed to the state government to improve facilities at the orientation camp, including modernising the kitchen, constructing a standard dining hall, establishing a functional Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Centre and renovating the perimeter fencing, to enhance security.
“We request additional seating facilities at the multipurpose hall, as the interventions would improve corps members’ welfare and strengthen the camp’s capacity to deliver effective orientation.
“You should actively participate in lectures, drills, physical training and skills acquisition activities while using the service year to learn, serve and contribute to national development.”
