No fewer than 2,295 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have commenced their one-year mandatory national service in Kaduna State.

The corps members, comprising those deployed to Kaduna and others dislodged from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were sworn in on Friday.

The event marked the formal opening of the 2026 batch ‘C’ stream I orientation course at the NYSC temporary orientation camp, Government College, Kaduna.

The state coordinator, Abubakar Bawa, said the corps members reported promptly from different parts of the country, demonstrating responsibility, commitment and discipline during registration.

He expressed confidence that the orientation course and the entire service year would be successful, given the corps members’ conduct.

The coordinator urged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities and remain punctual at every scheduled event.

He said the regimented camp activities were designed to prepare them physically, mentally and emotionally for the challenges of their service year.

Mr Bawa also urged them to take the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously to acquire skills for self-reliance.

He said SAED was particularly important in addressing unemployment by equipping corps members with practical skills that could support entrepreneurship and self-employment.

The coordinator appreciated Governor Uba Sani for renovating hostels and other camp facilities and providing furniture for corps members and staff.

Mr Bawa also appreciated the NYSC State Governing Board chairman for supporting projects and the chief judge of Kaduna State for consistently administering the oath of allegiance to corps members during NYSC ceremonies.

He also commended camp officials for their commitment and teamwork, urging them to sustain the cooperation throughout the orientation exercise.

In his address, Mr Sani said the corps members’ deployment should not be regarded merely as an administrative posting but as an opportunity to learn, serve, grow and make a difference.

Mr Sani, represented by the commissioner for youth development, Gloria Ibrahim, described the NYSC scheme as an important instrument for promoting national integration and fostering understanding among Nigeria’s diverse peoples.

The governor urged the corps members to participate actively in physical training, lectures, skills development, social activities and cultural programmes.

He said the realities of the economy required young Nigerians to complement academic qualifications with practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.

The governor said the Kaduna State government would continue supporting initiatives that promote youth development, skills acquisition, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

He assured the corps members that their security and well-being remained important to the government, promising continued collaboration with NYSC and relevant stakeholders.

(NAN)