Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has charged newly deployed corps members to uphold the values of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with honour, dignity, and a renewed sense of national responsibility. The governor gave the charge on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch C corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Hon. Olagunju Olalekan, Governor Adeleke described the NYSC uniform as a powerful symbol of unity, discipline, and national identity. He reminded the corps members that wearing the uniform comes with obligations that require patriotism, integrity, and a commitment to Nigeria’s collective progress.
The governor stressed that the NYSC has continued to play a critical role in strengthening national cohesion and empowering young Nigerians across diverse sectors. He urged the corps members to approach the service year with seriousness, responsibility, and full participation in all camp activities designed to promote teamwork and leadership.
Governor Adeleke also encouraged the young graduates to embrace the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that it offers practical opportunities for self-reliance in a challenging economic environment. He said the programme has helped thousands of former corps members build sustainable livelihoods after their service year.
Hon. Olagunju Olalekan, in his message, advised the corps members to avoid distractions that could hinder their productivity and personal growth. He urged them to cultivate positive relationships, respect cultural norms in their host communities, and devote themselves to community development projects that will leave lasting impact.
Declaring the 2025 Batch C Orientation Course officially open, he congratulated the corps members on their deployment to Osun State and assured them that the government remains committed to supporting the NYSC in achieving its objectives.
Earlier in his welcome address, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Obim Agbor, encouraged the corps members to conduct themselves as worthy ambassadors of the scheme. He emphasised the importance of discipline, cooperation, and adherence to camp regulations during the orientation exercise.
Mr. Agbor highlighted the relevance of the SAED programme, urging the participants to acquire income-generating skills that would enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capacity. He noted that the programme remains a cornerstone of the NYSC’s efforts to reduce youth unemployment.
The coordinator also reassured the corps members of the scheme’s commitment to their security and welfare throughout their service year. While acknowledging the security challenges in parts of the country, he advised them to prioritise personal safety, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain close communication with their Local Government Inspectors and primary assignment supervisors.
In his remarks, the representative of the Chief Judge of Osun State, Honourable Isiaka Adeleke, administered the Oath of Allegiance and the National Pledge on the newly inducted corps members. The ceremony also featured the signing of sample oath forms by selected platoon representatives.
Traditional rulers, senior government officials, and military officers were present to witness the event. His Royal Majesty, the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal (Laminisa I), was represented by the Babakekere of Edeland, Alhaji Rasheed Olaolu. Members of the Timi-in-Council also graced the ceremony.
The Nigerian Army was represented by Lt. Col. Gwanli on behalf of Brigadier General S. S. Bello, Commander of the Engineer Construction Command in Ede. Their presence, according to camp officials, reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between the NYSC and the military in the orientation programme.
Also in attendance was the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Strategic Engagement, Hon. Babawale Popoola, who commended the corps members for their enthusiasm and encouraged them to contribute meaningfully to development initiatives across the state.
As the ceremony concluded, corps members expressed excitement about beginning their service year and pledged to uphold the ideals of unity, service, and nation-building that the NYSC represents. Many of them described Osun State as a hospitable environment and looked forward to contributing positively to their host communities.
With the orientation course now underway, NYSC officials say preparations have been finalised to ensure that the 2025 Batch C corps members receive the best possible training, welfare, and support as they begin their year-long national assignment.
