The Osun State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, has, on behalf of the Director-General of the Scheme, Brig. Gen. O.O. Nafiu, declared the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course closed, urging corps members to uphold discipline, integrity and selfless service throughout their national service.
Kubiangha gave the charge on Wednesday during the low-key closing ceremony and terminal parade held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.
He urged the corps members to allow discipline to guide their conduct, integrity to shape their decisions and the spirit of service to define their relationships with colleagues and members of their host communities.
The State Coordinator acknowledged that the corps members might encounter challenges at their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs), including the experience of serving in communities far from home. He, however, urged them to remain resilient, respectful and committed to the ideals of the NYSC Scheme.
According to him, although the corps members arrived at the orientation camp as young Nigerians from different backgrounds, experiences and parts of the country, they were leaving as members of one family, united by the discipline, challenges, learning experiences and camaraderie they shared during the three-week orientation programme.
Kubiangha congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation course and commended them for their cooperation, resilience, discipline and active participation in camp activities.
He explained that the orientation programme was designed not only to prepare corps members physically for the demands of national service but also to equip them with the knowledge, skills and values required to make meaningful contributions to national development.
He noted that the lectures, military drills, physical exercises, Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, social activities, sensitisation sessions and other camp engagements were structured to instil patriotism, leadership, tolerance, teamwork, discipline and selfless service in the corps members.
The State Coordinator reminded them that they were now ambassadors of the NYSC and that their conduct at their various PPAs and host communities would have a direct bearing on the public perception of the Scheme.
He therefore urged them to be punctual, diligent, respectful and responsible, while maintaining cordial relationships with their colleagues, employers and members of their host communities.
“Respect constituted authority and maintain cordial relationships with your colleagues and host communities,” Kubiangha advised.
He further charged the corps members to shun activities capable of jeopardising their future or bringing the name of the NYSC into disrepute.
He specifically warned them against cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, fraud, violence and other forms of criminality, urging them not to allow peer pressure or the pursuit of quick wealth to compromise their values and future aspirations.
Kubiangha also encouraged the corps members to maximise the opportunities available through the SAED programme and other learning platforms during their service year.
He stressed that the NYSC experience should not be viewed merely as an opportunity to receive monthly allowances and obtain the Certificate of National Service, but as a platform for personal development, skills acquisition, networking and meaningful contribution to society.
The State Coordinator commended camp officials for their dedication, commitment and sacrifices throughout the orientation programme. He particularly appreciated the instructors, facilitators, medical and security personnel, administrative staff, catering and sanitation teams, as well as other stakeholders whose contributions ensured the smooth and successful conduct of the course.
He reminded the corps members that the closure of the orientation course marked not the end of their national service journey, but the beginning of a more practical phase in which they would be expected to translate the lessons and values acquired in camp into meaningful contributions at their places of primary assignment and host communities.
Kubiangha consequently urged them to proceed to their PPAs with confidence, humility and a strong sense of responsibility, while remaining committed to making positive impacts on their communities and contributing to national development.
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of letters of commendation to outstanding NYSC officials and personnel of collaborating agencies in recognition of their dedication and contributions to the success of the orientation course.
Those honoured included the Head of Civil Defence on Camp, ASCI Akerele Folakemi; Man ‘O’ War Instructor, Arowosegbe Gbenga; Head of SERVICOM, Mr. Aderibigbe Kazeem; Accounts Staff, Mrs. Owoeye Eunice; Deputy Camp Director, Mr. Oniye Damilare Omotayo; and SPR Anthony Chidubem Theresa of the ECC, Nigerian Army, Ede.
The ceremony marked the formal transition of the corps members from the orientation phase to the next stage of their national service, with the NYSC Osun State leadership expressing confidence that they would uphold the ideals of the Scheme and serve as responsible ambassadors of national unity, discipline and selfless service.
