The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has charged the 3,250 newly sworn-in Corps Members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II to embrace the right values, discipline, patriotism and purposeful service, stressing that the future of Nigeria rests significantly on the shoulders of its vibrant youth population.
The Governor gave the charge while presiding over the Swearing-In Ceremony of the Corps Members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Iseyin, where he reminded them that they represent both the hope and future of the nation and must therefore rise to the responsibility of building a better Nigeria.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Sunday Moradeyo, Governor Makinde described the three-week Orientation Course as a critical entry point into the national service year, designed to test the Corps Members’ endurance, physical capacity and discipline while equipping them for the responsibilities of nation-building.
He urged them to approach the various camp activities with seriousness and enthusiasm, noting that the programme provides a structured platform for young graduates to develop the resilience, leadership qualities and sense of responsibility required to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Governor further encouraged the Corps Members to take full advantage of the skills acquisition and entrepreneurship opportunities embedded in the NYSC programme, describing them as avenues for self-actualisation and a practical response to the challenge of graduate unemployment.
He urged the young Nigerians to look beyond the immediate requirements of the service year and acquire knowledge and skills that could enhance their future prospects, transform their ideas into productive ventures and position them as contributors to economic development.
Earlier in his address, the NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for the successful commencement of the Orientation Course and warmly welcomed the Governor’s representative, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Honourable Justice B.A. Taiwo, as well as other distinguished guests, government officials, traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders and stakeholders.
He particularly appreciated the continued support of the Oyo State Government towards the welfare of Corps Members and the successful implementation of NYSC programmes in the state.
Peters congratulated the Corps Members on the successful completion of their academic pursuits, describing their induction into the NYSC Scheme as the beginning of a new chapter defined by service, sacrifice, leadership, learning and nation-building.
He reminded them that the Scheme remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring platforms for promoting national unity, integration and socio-economic development, bringing together young graduates from diverse ethnic, cultural, religious and social backgrounds to live, learn and serve together.
According to the State Coordinator, a total of 3,250 Corps Members were successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course in Oyo State, comprising 1,329 males and 1,921 females drawn from the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
He urged them to actively participate in the full range of Orientation Course activities, including physical training, lectures, skills development, sporting events, cultural presentations and inter-platoon competitions, stressing that the experiences gained in camp could significantly shape their outlook, relationships and contributions to national development.
Peters also charged the Corps Members to obey camp rules and regulations, respect constituted authority and uphold the core values of discipline, integrity, patriotism, selflessness and service to humanity.
He urged them to become ambassadors of unity, champions of development and agents of positive change in their respective host communities, noting that the challenges confronting Nigeria should inspire, rather than discourage, them to deploy their creativity, talents, innovation and youthful energy towards finding sustainable solutions.
The ceremony reached a significant milestone with the administration of the Oath of Allegiance to the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Corps Members by the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice B.A. Taiwo, formally ushering them into the one-year mandatory National Service.