Gov Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has urged corps members to contribute positively to the development of their host communities in the course of their one year national service.
Eno said this on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch A Stream 11 corps members, at the orientation camp in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of the state.
The governor was represented by Mr Effiong Nicholas, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development.
He assured the corps members of the state’s hospitality, the accommodating and peaceful nature of the residents.
He urged them to discharge their duties with diligence and dedication and as good ambassadors contribute meaningfully to nation building.
“Please be assured that Akwa Ibom is highly hospitable. You only need to integrate yourselves with the people, be respectful to their socio-cultural inclinations and aspirations, even after the service year.
“Utilise the skills acquired during the orientation course to promote your entrepreneurship and self-reliance,” Eno said.
He emphasised the importance of the NYSC scheme in fostering national unity and development, urging the corps members to take their responsibilities seriously.
He also urged them to accept their postings in good faith and make efforts to settle down quickly at their places of primary assignment.
The governor advised the corps members not to travel at night, and if necessary, board vehicles at government approved parks.
“Let me admonish you not to travel at night, for whatever reason.
“Please, find a corps lodge, police station or military barracks to sleep once it is after 6pm in the course of your journey.
“Almost all lives lost in the scheme were as a result of night travels,” he said.
Eno commended the corps members for the successful completion of the orientation course and urged them to accept their postings as an opportunity to serve and sacrifice for the nation.
The NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Sam Pepple, assisted the governor to review the parade mounted by corps members during the closing ceremony. (NAN)
