As the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Abia State, Nigeria, prepare to embark on their year of national service, they have been advised to do so with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to national development. This advice was given by Mrs. Gladys Adama, the State Coordinator of NYSC in Abia State, during the closing ceremony of the orientation programme at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende LGA.
Mrs. Adama warned the corps members against engaging in activities that could compromise their safety or tarnish the image of the NYSC, such as getting entangled in communal conflicts, financial recklessness, or traveling at night. Instead, she urged them to maintain vigilance and integrity, and to be agents of transformation who can make lasting impacts through their contributions. She commended the corps members for their discipline, endurance, and dedication during the three-week orientation programme, noting that the skills and values instilled during the camp would serve as a guide throughout their service year.
Emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity, Mrs. Adama encouraged the corps members to respect and integrate with their host communities, upholding the cultural norms and values of their environments. She also stressed the need for corps members to be mindful of their actions, saying “This journey demands your utmost vigilance and integrity. Avoid actions that could compromise your safety, derail your mission, or tarnish the image of the NYSC, such as night travel, misconduct, and irresponsible financial behavior.”
The State Coordinator also highlighted the significance of the NYSC’s post-camp Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, encouraging participants to deepen the knowledge gained during camp for long-term self-reliance and economic empowerment. To ensure a smooth transition, corps members were advised to proceed directly to their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) immediately after receiving their posting letters and to notify their local government inspectors before making any travel.
As the corps members begin their national service, they are expected to embody the values of integrity, resilience, and commitment to national development, while also being mindful of their safety and the image of the NYSC. With the skills and knowledge gained during the orientation programme, they are well-equipped to make a positive impact in their host communities and contribute to the development of Nigeria.
