The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas Ekwe (rtd.), has charged the 2025 Batch B Stream I Corps Members deployed to Rivers State to make themselves a “source of joy to the people of their host community.” He emphasized that such responsibility is even more important considering that the people of Rivers State are “accommodating, hospitable and charitable.”
Ibas gave this charge at the closing ceremony of the three-week orientation exercise for Corps Members held at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area. The event marked the formal conclusion of the Corps Members’ induction before they proceed to their respective places of primary assignment across the state.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Prof. Ibibia Lucky Worika, the Sole Administrator urged the Corps Members to see Rivers State as their “second home.” He admonished them to serve selflessly in their communities and leave behind legacies that would positively impact the people long after the service year ends.
In his remarks, Ibas highlighted the importance of service to national unity and personal growth. He reminded the Corps Members that the NYSC scheme was established to foster integration and national development, and as such, their conduct and contributions during the service year will play a vital role in sustaining these values.
The Rivers State Coordinator of NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, also addressed the Corps Members during the ceremony. He commended the Sole Administrator for his recent intervention in improving the welfare of Corps Members through the acquisition of 1,000 brand new mattresses for the orientation camp. According to him, the gesture significantly improved the living conditions of participants throughout the three-week programme.
Oleghe further disclosed that the state government had pledged to upgrade infrastructure in the camp soon. He noted that these improvements would not only enhance the comfort of Corps Members during orientation exercises but also encourage them to give their best in service delivery across the state.
However, the Coordinator lamented some challenges encountered during the orientation period, particularly the flooding of the camp market as a result of heavy rainfall. He described the incident as a menace that disrupted certain activities and urged the state government to provide a permanent solution to the problem before subsequent orientation programmes.
In his advice to the Corps Members, Oleghe encouraged them to accept their postings with an open mind and a positive spirit. He stressed that the service year should not be viewed merely as a compulsory requirement but as a unique opportunity to acquire life skills and contribute to community development.
He emphasized the need for Corps Members to focus on developing both soft and hard skills, including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and technical abilities. According to him, such skills would not only distinguish them among their peers but also prepare them for the challenges of the professional world after service.
Oleghe reminded the Corps Members that the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme had been designed to equip them with entrepreneurial capabilities. He urged them to take advantage of this initiative to prepare themselves for self-reliance and potential job creation after the service year.
A total of 1,902 Corps Members, comprising 811 males and 1,091 females, successfully completed the 2025 Batch B Stream I orientation exercise in Rivers State. The numbers reflect the continued enthusiasm of Nigerian youths to serve the nation despite challenges.
The closing ceremony was graced by state officials, camp officials, and Corps Members, all of whom echoed the need for discipline, selfless service, and unity. With their orientation now complete, the Corps Members are set to be deployed across various sectors, including education, health, and community development, where they are expected to make meaningful contributions to their host communities.
