Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has urged newly sworn-in National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members to embrace tolerance, peace, discipline and hospitality as they undertake their 21-day orientation course in the state.
The Governor made the call in Ilorin while speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch “C” Stream I corps members.
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AbdulRazaq announced a N50,000 grant for each corps member in the state, saying the gesture was intended to cushion the impact of current economic realities and motivate them as they begin their service year.
He urged the corps members to remain security conscious, build bridges across ethnic and cultural divides and contribute to strengthening the unity of the country.
The Governor said Nigeria needed the energy, ideas and idealism of young people, stressing that the corps members should see themselves not merely as visitors to Kwara but as partners in the development of the state.
He said his administration remained committed to youth empowerment, peace and inclusive prosperity, urging the corps members to use the orientation period to acquire new skills and develop entrepreneurial ideas.
“Use these three weeks to acquire skills, develop entrepreneurial ideas, and begin building your independence. Government and development partners are ready to support Corps Members with bankable ideas after service,” he said.
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AbdulRazaq also pledged the state government’s support for social activities organised by the NYSC, including Mr. and Mrs. NYSC, talent shows and Mr. Macho competitions.
He commended the corps members for their participation in the Independence Day parade, saying the state government’s decision to give each of them N50,000 was also in recognition of their commitment.
The Commissioner for Youth Development, Shehu Usman, urged the corps members to remain disciplined and participate actively in all camp activities, noting that the drills and lectures were designed to build character and prepare them for leadership.
Usman assured the corps members that his ministry would work with the NYSC and other partners to identify participants with viable business ideas and provide them with mentorship and support.
In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Musa Tukur, said 2,740 corps members were participating in the Batch “C” Stream I orientation programme.
He explained that the contingent included corps members from Lagos who were posted to Kwara for their orientation course, attributing the continued hosting of corps members from other states to the hospitality of the state government and people.
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Tukur commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his support for the NYSC and appealed for additional assistance, including operational vehicles and improved toilet facilities at the orientation camp.
The 2,740 corps members took the oath of allegiance administered by Chief Magistrate A. Ndakene, who represented the Chief Judge of Kwara State.