Date: October 21, 2026
By Abraham Ovuoba
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to embrace their service year as an opportunity to contribute to national development, promote unity and acquire practical skills for the future.
The NYSC Ebonyi State Director, Mrs Maidariya Malgwi, gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch C, Stream I orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Afikpo, Ebonyi State.
Malgwi said the conclusion of the three-week orientation exercise marked the beginning of a year of learning, sacrifice and national responsibility.
She noted that the orientation programme had equipped the corps members with the discipline, resilience and teamwork needed to navigate the challenges and opportunities of national service.
The state director urged them to uphold the ideals of patriotism, integrity, selfless service, discipline and respect for constituted authority as they proceed to their respective Places of Primary Assignment.
She also encouraged them to respect the customs of their host communities, learn from the people and identify with their aspirations, stressing that their conduct would shape public perception of the NYSC scheme.
Malgwi said corps members should see national service as an opportunity to identify community needs, introduce innovative ideas and make meaningful contributions to societal development, regardless of their places of assignment.
She commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his administration’s continued support for the NYSC scheme, particularly in the welfare, safety and security of corps members, expressing hope for sustained collaboration.
The state director further urged the corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, noting that academic qualifications alone might not guarantee success in today’s competitive world.
She advised them to continue practising the skills acquired during orientation, seek mentorship and explore opportunities to develop sustainable businesses, adding that creativity, adaptability and entrepreneurial thinking were increasingly important for personal growth and economic development.
