The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development through skills acquisition and empowerment for nation-building, as 1,496 corps members were deployed to the state.

This was made known by the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I orientation course for corps members in the state.

Governor AbdulRazaq, represented by his Deputy, Elder Kayode Alabi, urged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities available during the orientation programme and their service year to develop skills, build character, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Governor assured the corps members of the government's continued support for the NYSC scheme and encouraged them to uphold the values of discipline, patriotism, and responsible conduct throughout their stay in the "State of Harmony."

He commended the NYSC management for its dedication to shaping young graduates into productive citizens and urged the corps members to participate actively in skill acquisition programmes, community development initiatives, and other activities designed to prepare them for leadership and self-reliance.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Amb. Ndanusa Usman Shehu, urged the corps members to actively participate in all activities tailored towards enhancing their all-round well-being as they begin their national service year.

The Commissioner commended the corps members on their academic achievements while welcoming them to the state, describing it as a land of peace, opportunities, and harmony.

Shehu emphasised the importance of the Skill Acquisitions and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that certificates alone are no longer sufficient in today's competitive environment.

He charged them to acquire practical skills, leverage digital platforms for visibility, and focus on creating opportunities rather than waiting for jobs. He added that the 21-day orientation course was designed to instil discipline and values that would guide them throughout their service year and beyond.

The Commissioner assured the corps members of the State Government's commitment to their welfare and security, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies and host communities to ensure a safe service experience.

Also, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, admonished the corps members deployed to the state to embrace discipline, capacity building, and personal development throughout the 21-day orientation course.

Joshua described the programme as a period that would test, shape, and prepare them for the next twelve months of national service. He noted that a total of 1,496 corps members, comprising 703 males and 793 females, were ready to take the Oath of Allegiance, stressing that the oath represents a solemn commitment to over 200 million Nigerians.

He explained that the orientation course was designed to transform graduates into nation-builders through paramilitary drills, lectures, leadership activities, and other camp engagements.

The coordinator urged them to build meaningful relationships, participate actively in community development initiatives, and conduct themselves responsibly, emphasising that as corps members, they represent their families, institutions, and the nation, both within and outside the camp.