By Ovat Abeng
About 1,620 corps members for the 2026 Batch “C” stream one, were on Friday, sworn-in for the two weeks orientation programme of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State.
The swearing-in exercise took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, Awka South Local Government Area of the State, during which the corps members were charged to be active participants in the development efforts of their host communities through effective integration.
In her welcome address, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, said out of the 1,620 corps members, 682 were males white 938 were females.
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According to her “Today marks the formal beginning of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Orientation Course and the journey of these young Nigerians into a year of national service.
“The Orientation Course is much more than a period of drills and lectures. It is designed to build discipline, patriotism, leadership, national consciousness and the spirit of peaceful coexistence, while equipping Corps Members with skills and values that will make them useful to themselves and the nation.
“I am pleased to report that 1,620 Corps Members, comprising 682 Males and 938 Females, have so far registered. Their enthusiasm and positive response to the various camp activities have been very encouraging.
“I urged the corps members make discipline, service, leadership, innovation and good character their trademarks.
“I also encourage them to work towards earning the NYSC Honours Award through exemplary conduct and outstanding contributions to their various communities.
“We deeply appreciate the Anambra State Government for its continued support to the NYSC Scheme.
“We also acknowledge with gratitude the interventions of Marston De-Rock Limited, Awka, and Pinnatech Group. Their support has made a meaningful difference to the welfare and smooth running of this Orientation Course.
“At this juncture, I respectfully appeal for continued intervention from the State and Local Governments, particularly in areas requiring infrastructural improvement and enhanced welfare facilities.
“Ojisua equally appreciate the Umuawulu/Mbaukwu host communities and Awka South Local Government Area for their hospitality, cooperation and support.
“In his speech, the State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who noted that the scheme has over the years, lived up to the vision of impacting positively on national development especially in rural communities through
developmental projects, urged the corps members to participate in the ongoing State’s “One Youth Two Skills empowerment programme for self-grow and development.
The governor said ‘Through One Youth, Two Skills, we have invested in the empowerment of our young people. The first phase empowered 5,000 young people with about ₦2 billion grant, while the second phase empowered 8,300 young people with ₦3.5 billion in grants, equipping them with skills, enterprise opportunities and access to business financing which some of your predecessors where beneficiaries of the programme.
“The third phase will soon commence and I urge you take advantage of the programme.
“In sports, our administration has strengthened grassroots development and the State’s sports ecosystem. Anambra’s Taekwondo team has retained the number-one national ranking for three consecutive editions, while we continue to expand opportunities for young people through organized competitions and talent development.
Through the Solution Innovation District (SID), including initiatives such as Code Anambra, Digital Tribe and other technology initiatives, we have expanded access to technology, digital skills and innovation, with over 30,000 young people trained and opportunities being created for our young techpreneurs to compete globally. We are now building Anambra’s own silicon valley – an innovation ecosystem designed to equip our young people with digital skills, support startups connect our talent to global opportunities.
“The permanent Solution Innovation District (SID) site will be commissioned in March, 2027, he noted.
“I therefore urge you to take advantage of every opportunity available to you during this service year including the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme conducted here in this camping ground, the governor urges.
He was represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Youth/Sports Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba.
The Oath taking was admistered to the corps members by the State Chief Judge, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, presented by Justice O. S Onomye.
