By Ifeoma Aniagbado
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members deployed to the state, assuring them of a conducive environment throughout their service year.
On June 15, the governor, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, made the assurance during the swearing-in ceremony of no fewer than 1,500 corps members participating in the 2026 Batch ‘B’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Course in Anambra State.
Welcoming the corps members, Governor Soludo congratulated them on the successful completion of their academic pursuits and for answering the nation’s call to service, describing their deployment to Anambra as a demonstration of patriotism, national unity and commitment to national development.
He advised them to remain security conscious, law abiding and responsible throughout their stay in the state, while avoiding activities that could expose them to danger.
The governor noted that his administration is committed to building a smart, livable, secure, sustainable and prosperous homeland through strategic investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, technology, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment and economic development.
He encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the service year to learn from people of diverse backgrounds, build lasting relationships and contribute positively to their host communities.
Describing Anambra as a hub of commerce, industry, education and human capital development, Soludo highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and resilience for which the people of the state are widely known.
In a separate address, the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Council in Anambra State, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, whose message was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Mr. Ifeatu Emordi, urged the corps members to participate actively in all orientation camp activities.
He explained that the programmes were carefully designed to develop leadership qualities, discipline, teamwork, resilience and entrepreneurial capacity among participants.
Agha Mba encouraged them to maximize the opportunities provided through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, stressing that practical skills and entrepreneurship have become essential for personal growth and national progress in an increasingly competitive world.
He challenged the corps members to embrace the Community Development Service (CDS) programme with dedication, using their talents and initiatives to make meaningful contributions to the communities where they will serve.
Earlier, the Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, formally presented the corps members, disclosing that the 2026 Batch ‘B’ contingent comprises 636 males and 864 females.
She explained that the orientation course is designed to instill discipline, patriotism, leadership, teamwork and selfless service, while preparing participants for the responsibilities of the service year.
Mrs. Ojisua expressed appreciation to the Anambra State Government for its consistent support of the NYSC scheme, particularly in the areas of security, welfare and infrastructure, saying these have continued to enhance the success of the programme in the state.
Ifeoma Aniagbado is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
