Soludo tasks corps members on integrity, empathy to host communities

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has urged corps members deployed to the state for their one year mandatory service to conduct themselves as disciplined ambassadors of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Soludo gave the advice on Friday at the swearing-In ceremony of the 2025
Batch ‘C’ orientation course at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC unity permanent orientation camp in Umuawulu/Mbaukwu.

He also urged the corps members to respect local customs of their communities, maintain peace and to avoid risky behaviours during their service.

He said, “I encourage you to build friendships, expand your knowledge, and form networks that will extend far beyond your service year.

“Be proactive. Find needs within your host communities and rise to meet them. Let the communities you serve remember you for your empathy, initiative, and integrity.

“The habits you cultivate here will shape your success during the service year. Service is not fulfilled in the uniform you wear but in the change you inspire.

“I encourage you to build friendships, expand your knowledge, and form networks that will extend far beyond your service year.

“Always remember that your conduct—whether in camp or in your places of primary assignment—reflects your upbringing, your institutions, and your nation.

“Don’t merely pass through Anambra—let Anambra pass through you. Engage, learn, innovate, and take full advantage of the opportunities around you.

“As you begin orientation, we expect you to display high discipline, respect for camp officials, and active participation in all camp programmes.

“We take pride in the serenity, organisation, and functionality of this Orientation Camp, and we will continue to improve the facilities to ensure your comfort and productivity.

Earlier, State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua disclosed that a total of 1617 prospective corps members, comprising 697 males and 920 females were deployed to the state.

She urged them to obey all extant laws, NYSC by-laws, and security directives throughout their stay in the orientation camp.

She assured that camp officials, security agencies, medical teams, and collaborating partners were fully mobilized to ensure smooth administration, welfare, and safety throughout the exercise.

“We will place strong emphasis on adherence to rules and the
development of personal discipline, values upon which the NYSC was founded.

“Military drills and sporting activities will help build physical fitness, team spirit, and mental alertness.

“The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains a major pillar of this course. Participants will be exposed to diverse skills to promote post-camp self-reliance,” she stressed.