The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members in Ebonyi State to embrace service, discipline and community development as they begin their one-year national service after completing their three-week orientation course.
The NYSC Ebonyi State Director, Mrs Maidariya Malgwi, gave the advice during the closing ceremony for the 2026 Batch C, Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo.
NYSC Urges Corps Members to Serve With Dedication
Malgwi said the end of the orientation course marked the beginning of a year of learning, sacrifice and national responsibility. She added that the camp had prepared the corps members for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
She praised their discipline, resilience, teamwork and active participation in camp activities. Furthermore, she noted that their interactions with Nigerians from different cultural, religious and social backgrounds had strengthened their understanding of diversity and peaceful coexistence.
“As you proceed to your respective Places of Primary Assignment, I urge you to uphold the ideals of the NYSC scheme, particularly patriotism, integrity, selfless service, discipline, and respect for constituted authority,” she said.
Respect Host Communities, Director Advises
Furthermore, the state director urged the corps members to learn from their host communities, respect local customs and identify with the needs and aspirations of the people.
She warned that their conduct would shape public perceptions of the NYSC scheme and the institutions they represent. However, she encouraged them to see national service as an opportunity to identify community needs, introduce useful ideas and improve people’s lives.
“Whether you are posted to a school, hospital, government establishment, private organisation, or rural community, approach your responsibilities with diligence and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to societal development,” Malgwi said.
Malgwi Urges Corps Members to Develop Skills
Meanwhile, Malgwi thanked Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwufuru for his administration’s continued support for the NYSC scheme. She highlighted the government’s contributions to the welfare, safety and security of corps members.
She expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to benefit corps members and the people of Ebonyi State.
She urged the corps members to look beyond their academic qualifications and develop practical skills, creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking to succeed in today’s competitive world.
She also advised them to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously.
In addition, she urged them to keep practising the skills they acquired during orientation, seek mentorship and explore opportunities to turn those skills into sustainable businesses.
