Orumwense Sarah, Benin City
The Edo State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has officially declared open the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 2025 Batch B, Stream II Orientation Course for corps members deployed to the State, at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, Ovia North-East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
Sen. Okpebholo, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Aiyegbeni Balogun, described Edo State as a land rich in culture, history and opportunities, reassuring corps members of their welfare, safety and security, which are paramount to his administration.
The Governor said that as 21st-century graduates, they had access to unparalleled opportunities in today’s interconnected global economy, adding that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme of the NYSC was tailored to help them harness such opportunities. He encouraged them to approach their service year with innovation, adaptability, and commitment to excellence.
In his words, “We believe that you, as young Nigerians, with enthusiasm, creativity and eagerness to learn, have qualities that can leave an indelible mark on Edo State. The NYSC has a mission to unite our nation, foster development and empower young people. I urge you to cooperate fully with the NYSC Management during and after the Orientation programme”. He said.
The Governor concluded by encouraging the corps members to embrace the unique opportunity with open minds and hearts, collaborate with one another, respect the traditions of their host communities and commit themselves to the objectives of the NYSC Scheme to create a stronger Edo and a greater Nigeria.
Earlier, in a welcome address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, represented by the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Ben-Ushie Frances Ifeoma, noted that the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Edo State joined its counterparts across the Federation and commenced the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course on Wednesday, 24th September 2025. She stated that as at midnight on Thursday, 25th September 2025, a total of 1,086 prospective corps members, comprising 465 males and 621 female corps members, had been duly registered and were ready to be sworn in as members of the NYSC.
Brigadier General Nafiu congratulated the corps members on their successful enlistment into the noble scheme, stating that it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, which will contribute to their growth as individuals and professionals. He said discipline remained pivotal to the successful realization of the NYSC objectives, urging them to embrace self-discipline, display a willingness to learn, and make the most of the opportunities available during their service year.
The NYSC Director-General assured the Governor of the scheme’s continued contributions to the social and economic development of Edo State, adding that over the years, NYSC had consistently provided skilled manpower for critical sectors of the State’s economy, enhanced labor mobility and promoted national unity through the deployment of corps members across all communities in the State.
He further stated that the quarterly Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme, where corps medical personnel like doctors, pharmacists and nurses were mobilized to remote villages for free medical outreach, had brought succor to many rural dwellers over the years, adding that corps members trained under the NYSC SAED programme had continued to empower youths and women in various skills across the eighteen Local Government Areas of the State.
General Olakunle, while appreciating the Edo State Government for continuously providing luxurious buses to convey corps members to the Local Government Areas at the end of every Orientation Camp, highlighted some pressing challenges currently affecting the smooth implementation of NYSC programmes in the State.
Highpoint of the event was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to corps members by the Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa, represented by Hon. Vestee Otumaye Eboreime. The corps members swore to serve their fatherland with dedication, honesty and loyalty.
Other dignitaries at the event included the DPO Okada, CSP Opatoyinbo John, Commander Four Brigade, represented by Major O. G. Okoro, Director, Military Hospital, represented by Major O. S. Ojo, Area Commander, NDLEA, CSN Yaris P. Job and Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University Okada, Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, represented by the Dean of Students, Professor Charles Ochem, among others.
Orumwense Sarah
