Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to uphold the values of discipline, unity, loyalty, and peaceful coexistence during their service year.
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.
Represented by his Deputy, Joel Salifu, the governor commended the corps members for their exemplary conduct, teamwork, discipline, and patriotism throughout the three-week orientation exercise.
He noted that the virtues displayed during the programme were strong indicators of a successful and impactful service year.
Ododo said the orientation programme, which featured Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), sports, drama, drills, and talent exhibitions, was designed to prepare corps members for productive and self-reliant lives after service.
He urged them to remain law-abiding and integrate peacefully with their host communities, stressing that such conduct would earn them greater acceptance and support.
The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their safety and welfare, describing both as top priorities of his administration.
He encouraged them to take full advantage of the SAED programme, especially post-camp entrepreneurship training, to acquire practical skills that would help reduce unemployment and contribute to national development.
Ododo announced a transport support grant of N10,000 for each of the 1,807 corps members.
He also appreciated the NYSC management for its commitment to nation-building through youth development.
Earlier, the Kogi NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Chris-Moneke Tochi, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course.
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 thanked the state government for its support, especially in repairing damaged camp facilities and providing welfare for the corps members.
