The Sokoto State Government has charged members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to become agents of development and positive change in their host communities.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave the charge on Wednesday during the swearing-in ceremony marking the commencement of the three-week orientation course at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp, Farfaru.
He was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Muhammad Bello Sifawa.
The governor urged the corps members to see the national service scheme as more than a mandatory exercise, but as an opportunity to contribute their skills and knowledge to addressing the country’s developmental challenges.
“As a highly skilled segment of our population, it behoves on you to be part of the problem-solving team. Express your potentials through honest and dedicated service to your host communities,” he said.
Aliyu identified youth unemployment, poverty, rising crime and declining living standards among the major challenges confronting the country, stressing that tackling them required the collective efforts of all sectors of society.
He described corps members as an important human resource capable of contributing significantly to grassroots development.
The governor also advised the corps members to familiarise themselves with the culture and traditions of their host communities, urging them to respect the people and obey the laws of the state.
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He said the activities lined up during the orientation programme, including drills, lectures and skills acquisition, were designed to prepare corps members for the responsibilities ahead and promote self-reliance.
On security and welfare, Aliyu assured the corps members that the state government had taken measures to safeguard their wellbeing throughout their service year.
He also pledged that the government and people of Sokoto would continue to provide a peaceful environment for the corps members to carry out their assignments.
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Tyoyer Gabriel Ter, commended the corps members for their conduct since arriving at the camp, saying they had demonstrated patriotism and positive values.
Ter urged them to actively participate in all camp activities, which he said were designed to promote self-reliance and prepare them for future responsibilities.
He appreciated Governor Aliyu and the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, for their continued support for the NYSC scheme in the state.
The ceremony also featured the administration of the oath of allegiance by Justice Ibrahim Tambuwal, representing the Chief Judge of Sokoto State, Justice Muhammad Saidu Sifawa.
Hundreds of corps members dressed in the NYSC white-and-khaki uniform recited the oath, pledging to serve Nigeria with loyalty, dedication and integrity.