Soludo to NYSC Corps Members: Remember Your Oath When Tempted to Compromise

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has charged corps members deployed to the state to uphold the oath they took at their swearing-in ceremony, describing it as a solemn commitment that should guide their conduct throughout their service year.

Soludo gave the charge on Friday at the formal opening of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 Orientation Course and swearing-in ceremony held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Aghamba, urged the corps members to remember their oath whenever they were tempted to compromise their duties, confronted with dishonesty or faced with difficulties during their service.

He said, “A few moments ago, you took the Oath of Allegiance, administered by the Chief Judge of Anambra State. I urge you to take that oath seriously. An oath is a solemn commitment. Let it guide your conduct throughout the service year.

“When you are tempted to compromise your duty, remember your oath. When confronted with dishonesty, remember your oath. When service becomes difficult, remember your oath.

“Respect constituted authority, obey the rules of the NYSC, respect your colleagues and host communities, and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions and Nigeria.”

Describing the corps members as more than visitors to Anambra, but ambassadors and potential partners in the development of the state, Soludo urged them to respect the culture, traditions and values of their host communities.

“Build relationships with your host communities. Learn from the people, and allow them to benefit from your knowledge and skills,” he said.

The governor also advised the corps members to remain security-conscious throughout their stay in the state.

“Your safety is important to us. Avoid unnecessary risks and promptly report security concerns through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Soludo assured the corps members that the Anambra State Government would continue to support initiatives aimed at improving their welfare, safety and productivity during their service year.

He challenged them to embrace a spirit of service and patriotism, rather than focusing solely on what they could gain from the country.

“Do not spend this year asking only, ‘What will Nigeria give me?’ Ask instead, ‘What can I give Nigeria?’ That is the mindset of citizenship.

“Serve with integrity. Serve with discipline. Serve with compassion. Serve with courage. Serve with innovation.”

He further urged the corps members to measure the success of their service year by the impact they made in their host communities.

“At the end of this year, do not measure your service only by your Certificate of National Service. Measure it by the lives you touched, skills you acquired, problems you solved and people you inspired,” Soludo said.

“When you eventually leave Anambra, I want you to be able to say: ‘I came to Anambra as a Corps Member, but I left as a better Nigerian and a friend of Anambra.’”

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, disclosed that 1,620 corps members, comprising 682 males and 938 females, had registered for the orientation exercise.

Ojisua described the corps members’ enthusiasm and participation in various camp activities as encouraging.

She appreciated the Anambra State Government for its continued support for the NYSC and appealed for sustained intervention from the state and local governments, particularly in areas requiring infrastructural improvements and enhanced welfare facilities.

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