Philanthropist Tackles Erosion at Anambra NYSC Camp as 2,205 Corps Members Take Oath

By Praise Chinecherem

A philanthropist and community leader, High Chief Christopher Ndubisi, popularly known as Ikenga Umuawulu, has intervened in the erosion menace threatening facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Umuawulu/Mbaukwu, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The intervention was acknowledged on Friday by the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Pauline Ojisua, during the swearing-in ceremony of 2,205 members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream II for their one-year mandatory national service.

The corps members, comprising 961 males and 1,244 females, took their oath of allegiance at the orientation camp.

Ojisua described Ndubisi’s intervention as a significant contribution towards controlling erosion at the camp, protecting its facilities and enhancing the safety of the environment.

“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Ikenga Umuawulu, as well as the state government, security agencies, host communities, traditional institutions, corps members’ employers, private organisations and other stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to the successful implementation of our programmes,” she said.

The NYSC coordinator explained that the three-week orientation course was designed to prepare the corps members for the demands and responsibilities of national service.

She urged them to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that would enable them to become self-reliant beyond their service year.

“Through paramilitary drills, lectures, SAED, sporting competitions, social and cultural activities, and community development sensitisation, we seek to instil discipline, patriotism, leadership, self-reliance and national integration.

“Above all, remain security-conscious and conduct yourselves as worthy ambassadors of your families, institutions and states,” Ojisua added.

Declaring the orientation course open, Governor Chukwuma Soludo congratulated the corps members on successfully completing their academic pursuits and responding to the national call to service.

The governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and Sports, Ifeatu Emodi, said their willingness to serve outside their immediate communities demonstrated their commitment to national unity, integration and nation-building.

He assured the corps members that his administration would prioritise their welfare and security, working in collaboration with the NYSC State Secretariat, security agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and conducive environment throughout their service year.

Soludo also encouraged the corps members to embrace Anambra’s rich cultural heritage, enterprising spirit and hospitality, while building meaningful relationships with their host communities, respecting local traditions and contributing to the state’s development.

“I urge you, in turn, to remain security-conscious, obey the laws of the state and conduct yourselves responsibly. As young people, you represent an important part of our nation’s future.

“This is why our administration places significant emphasis on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, innovation, skills acquisition and job creation,” he said.

The orientation course is expected to equip the corps members with the discipline, skills and values required for effective service delivery and meaningful contributions to their host communities.

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