- Westo Adekunle Adejumo | Premier World News
The Ogun State Government has officially declared open the 2026 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch “B” Stream I Orientation Course, charging the 4,083 corps members deployed to the state to uphold patriotism, discipline, professionalism and security consciousness throughout their service year.
Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who was represented at the formal opening and swearing-in ceremony held at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, described the National Youth Service Corps as one of Nigeria’s most enduring platforms for national integration, youth empowerment and nation-building.
The governor congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes and subsequent mobilisation, describing the milestone as a reward for perseverance, resilience and determination.
He urged them to embrace the Orientation Course as a life-changing opportunity designed to equip them with leadership qualities, entrepreneurial skills, citizenship values, teamwork, security awareness and community development experience.
According to him, the corps members’ deployment comes at a critical period in Nigeria’s development, requiring them to contribute innovative ideas, creativity and knowledge towards building a more prosperous, peaceful and united nation.
“Your deployment for national service comes at a crucial period in our nation’s development. As educated young Nigerians, you have a unique responsibility to contribute your knowledge, creativity and innovative ideas towards building a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria”, the governor stated.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to youth development under the “Building Our Future Together” agenda, highlighting ongoing investments in employment generation, entrepreneurship, technology, industrialisation and agricultural development.
He listed initiatives including the Ogun State Job Portal, support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone, the Gateway International Airport and Aerotropolis Project, Ogun TechHub, digital innovation programmes, as well as continued investments in education, healthcare, sports and recreational infrastructure.
Strong Security Advisory:
A significant portion of the governor’s address focused on security, with corps members advised to remain vigilant throughout their service year and avoid actions capable of exposing them to criminal activities.
He urged them to avoid allowing strangers to use their mobile phones, permitting unknown persons to conduct transactions through their bank accounts, boarding vehicles from unauthorised locations, accepting lifts from unfamiliar persons and receiving suspicious cash gifts or unsolicited favours.
The governor further encouraged the corps members to promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies or NYSC authorities, reminding them that public vigilance remains an essential component of national security.
“If you see something, say something”, he advised.
Warning Against Electoral Malpractice:
With Nigeria gradually approaching another electoral cycle, Governor Abiodun also cautioned the corps members against involvement in electoral fraud, political violence, misinformation or any activity capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
He reminded them that many would likely be engaged by electoral authorities during future elections and urged them to remain impartial, professional and law-abiding while discharging any electoral responsibilities.
Over 4,000 Corps Members Registered:
The Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Diana Nasamu, disclosed that 4,083 corps members are participating in the 2026 Batch “B” Stream I Orientation Course in the state.
The figure comprises 1,844 males and 2,239 females, of the total number, 3,260 corps memberswere officially deployed to Ogun State, while an additional 823 corps members were posted from Lagos State to the Ogun Orientation Camp due to accommodation constraints in Lagos.
Dignitaries at Ceremony:
The ceremony attracted several government officials, members of the judiciary, security agencies and stakeholders.
Among those in attendance were the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, represented by Hon. Justice Adetokunbo Jibodu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development, Mr. Idowu Oladapo Onasanya; Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, Hon. Ajetunmobi Abeeb and Hon. Jamiu Ogundele; Director of Sports Development, Mr. Adetokunbo Salami; local government chairmen, heads of military and security agencies, heads of federal establishments and other invited dignitaries.
Governor Abiodun also commended the Ogun State NYSC management, security agencies, medical personnel, camp officials and other stakeholders for ensuring the successful organisation of the orientation programme.
He wished the corps members a rewarding service year marked by personal growth, national service and opportunities for future success before formally declaring the 2026 NYSC Batch “B” Stream I Orientation Course open.
