The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has urged the 2,437 newly deployed National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to the State to use their service year as a platform to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.
Oyebanji gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch B ,Stream 1 corps members deployed to Ekiti State at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ise/Orun/Emure-Ekiti.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo, the governor advised the corps members to be exemplary in conduct, diligent in service and worthy ambassadors of the NYSC scheme and their respective families.
He emphasised the importance of hard work, discipline and commitment to national development, urging them to make these values their watchwords throughout the service year.
The governor also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme both during the orientation course and at their places of primary assignment.
According to him, Ekiti State has identified education and agriculture as twin pillars for sustainable prosperity and economic growth.
Oyebanji urged the corps members to explore opportunities in the state’s agribusiness sector, including modern crop production, livestock farming, fisheries and value-added processing.
“Ekiti has fertile land and government policies designed to empower young people. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities available in the agricultural sector,” he said.
The governor commended the NYSC State Coordinator, Alhaji Riko Abdullah Shuaibu, and his team for their dedication to the smooth operation of the scheme in the state.
He acknowledged existing infrastructural challenges at the orientation camp and assured the management of the government’s commitment to improving facilities and welfare conditions.
Earlier, Shuaibu commended the Oyebanji administration for its continuous support to the NYSC scheme in the state.
He noted that the provision of meal subsidies for corps members during orientation courses had significantly enhanced their welfare and inspired them to serve with greater commitment.
The coordinator disclosed that a total of 2,437 corps members had registered for the orientation exercise, comprising 666 males and 1,771 females.
He urged the corps members to promote unity, undertake community-oriented projects and leave lasting positive impacts in their host communities across the state.
“As you are deployed to communities across Ekiti State, let your actions foster unity, your projects address real needs, and your character leave an indelible mark of progress,” Shuaibu said.