Soludo Charges Corps Members to Uphold Ideals of National Unity, Service & Sacrifice

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has urged corps members to uphold the ideals of national unity, service and sacrifice.

The governor stated while formally inaugurating the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I Orientation Course at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Unity Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu.

Soludo, represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Engr. Martin Agbili described corps members as torchbearers of national transformation.

He said their presence rekindled hope in the collective journey toward a better Nigeria.

He said, “The oath you have taken is not a mere ritual. It is a solemn promise to live out the principles of integrity, tolerance, and selfless service.

“You are the torchbearers of national transformation, and your presence here today rekindles hope in our collective journey toward a better Nigeria.”

The governor reaffirmed government’s commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the “One Youth, Two Skills” programme, Solution Innovation District (SID), Code Anambra, and Youth-in-Agribusiness Projects.

“All of these projects align with the broader Anambra Vision 2070 agenda,” he added.

Chairman, NYSC Anambra State Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Agha Mba praised the NYSC for its role in national cohesion.

Aghamba, represented by Head of Department, Youth, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Martin Ezeilo described corps members as symbols of hope and unity.

“You are not just Corps members, you are symbols of hope and unity. As you serve in communities across Anambra, let your actions reflect the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and patriotism,” he said.

State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua congratulated the Corps members for their successful mobilization and described the Orientation Course as the bedrock of their service year.

“This course is designed to equip you with leadership skills, civic responsibility, and entrepreneurial capacity. You are already showing admirable discipline and enthusiasm. Let this spirit guide you throughout your service,” she stressed.

Appreciating government for its ongoing support, particularly for integrating Corps members into the One Youth, Two Skills initiative, Ojisua appealed for infrastructural upgrades on camp, including the construction of additional accommodation for officials and urgent interventions to mitigate erosion threats.

The event drew a host of dignitaries, including Mr. Ayodele Adegoke, Director, South East Area Office I, Enugu; Mr. Leo Eze, State Director NABTEB; Mrs. Chika Ufelle of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) and Hon. Dr. Joe Akabuike, Chief Medical Director, COOUTH Awka.

Others were Traditional leaders including HRM Igwe Dr. Joel Egwuonwu, Eze Udo II of Umuawulu, and HRM Igwe Dr. Patrick Nwokike Anugwu, Chairman of Awka South LGA, represented by Hon. Kingsley Okafor and Director of the State Security Service, represented by Mr. Morgan Ebohoho.

The ceremony witnessed administration of the oath of allegiance to 1,433 prospective Corps members comprising 658 males and 775 females by His Lordship Justice S.N. Okoye, who represented the Chief Judge of Anambra State.