The NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, became the scene of a vibrant display of military precision and patriotic discipline on Thursday, as the 2025 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) Inter-Platoon Drill Competition took place amid fanfare and spirited participation.
The event, which remains one of the most anticipated highlights of the orientation course, attracted enthusiastic Corps Members and Camp Officials who turned out in large numbers to witness the keenly contested parade. Setting a lively tone, the NYSC live band delivered a captivating musical performance that energised the atmosphere.
The competition formally commenced with the arrival of the State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, who expressed her delight at the enthusiasm of the Corps Members and commended them for embracing the core values of discipline.
A five-member panel of judges, led by Captain A. E. Anwe, assessed the platoons based on a comprehensive set of criteria including turnout of platoon members, mode of dressing, clarity and quality of commands, timing, synchronisation during quick and slow march and general parade conduct.
The drill was conducted in two batches, with Platoons 1 to 5 performing in the first round and Platoons 6 to 10 in the second. Each platoon demonstrated high levels of coordination and esprit de corps.
After a highly competitive outing, Platoon 7 emerged as the overall winner, scoring 77.2 points to secure the first position. Platoon 1 followed closely in second place with 75.5 points, while Platoon 9 claimed the third position with 72.9 points.
Individual excellence was also recognised at the event. Corps Member Odejayi Ifeoluwa (OD/25A/6027) was honoured as Best Female Parade Commander, while Corps Member Joshua Samuel (OD/25A/0099) received the award for Best Male Parade Commander, in recognition of their exceptional command skills and leadership during the parade.
PLATOONS NINE AND SEVEN SHINE AS NYSC ONDO WRAPS UP GAMES AND SPORTING ACTIVITIES
The spirit of unity and youthful excellence savoured the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ikare-Akoko, as the 2025 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) Inter-Platoon Games and Sports competition came to a thrilling climax. The much-anticipated finals marked the end of an exhilarating tournament that kicked off on April 28 and featured a series of competitive games amongst the various platoons.
The football final saw Platoon 9 square it up against Platoon 8 in a heated contest that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The first half ended in a stalemate, with both sides showcasing remarkable defensive prowess. However, the tide turned in the second half as Platoon 9 surged ahead, netting two goals against Platoon 8’s lone goal to clinch a hard-fought 2-1 victory and emerged as the football champions of the tournament.
In the volleyball category, Platoon 7 dominated the court against Platoon 4 in a high-energy face-off. Platoon 7 seized the first set convincingly with a 25–16 scoreline. The second set proved more intense, but Platoon 7 maintained their momentum to secure a 25–22 win, sealing a straight two-set victory and solidifying their place as volleyball champions.
Addressing corps members during the closing ceremony, the State Coordinator of NYSC Ondo State, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare commended all participants for their spirited involvement and display of discipline throughout the tournament.
The Scheme's helmsman in the Sunshine State emphasised that the true essence of the games lies in camaraderie and fair play, stating, 'In sports, every participant is a winner. The courage to compete and the spirit of unity displayed here today are more important than the trophies'.
The NYSC Ondo boss further expressed delight that the competition was concluded without any casualty or incident, a testament to the high level of discipline and sportsmanship maintained by the corps members.
She also encouraged the youths to continue nurturing their talents, revealing that the Scheme is actively scouting promising sports talents to be recommended for further development through governmental support and national platforms.
In her opening remarks, the Head, Games and Sports, Mrs. Martha Iziengbe Ihenyen expressed joy on behalf of her committee for the massive support received from the management.
Ihenyen, who is an Assistant Director/Head, Community Development Service (CDS) Branch hinted that talented and creative selected among the corps members would join their colleagues, already serving to train and prepare for the forthcoming annual NYSC Director General Sports and Cultural Festival coming up in Abuja later in the year.
She disclosed that the Secretariat has set in motion machinery to raise funds to prosecute the Zonal Preliminaries of the Festival, while assuring that Team Ondo will make the Sunshine State proud.
The Head of the Games and Sports thanked the corps members for displaying maturing and discipline throughout the duration of the sporting activities.
The closing ceremony was laced with vibrant cheers, colourful displays and a palpable sense of fulfillment, as corps members celebrated not only their platoon’s victories but the bonds of friendship and teamwork built during the course of the tournament.
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