Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to uphold the values of discipline, unity, loyalty and peaceful coexistence at their places of primary assignment.
Mr Ododo gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Asaya, Kogi State.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Joel Salifu, commended the corps members for their exemplary conduct throughout the three-week orientation exercise.
He expressed satisfaction with the high level of teamwork, discipline and patriotism displayed during the programme.
According to him, the virtues exhibited during the orientation course are strong indicators of a successful and impactful service year.
Mr Ododo noted that the orientation programme, which featured activities such as Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), sports, drama, drills and talent exhibitions, was designed to prepare corps members for productive and self-reliant living after service.
He urged them to remain law-abiding and integrate peacefully with their host communities, stressing that such conduct would earn them acceptance and support throughout their service year.
The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their safety and welfare, noting that both remain top priorities of his administration.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the SAED programme, particularly post-camp entrepreneurship training, to acquire practical skills that could reduce unemployment and contribute to national development.
Mr Ododo announced a transport support grant of N10,000 each for the 1,807 corps members.
He further expressed appreciation to the management of the NYSC for its commitment to nation-building through youth development.
Earlier, the state NYSC Coordinator, Chris-Moneke Tochi, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course.
Ms Tochi advised them to accept their postings in good faith, remain security-conscious and make effective use of the SAED programme to acquire skills for self-reliance after service.
She also appreciated the state government’s support, particularly in the repair of damaged camp facilities and the welfare provided for corps members.