NYSC Remains Nigeria’s Strongest Tool for Unity, Says Gov Adeleke

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as one of Nigeria’s most impactful institutions for strengthening national unity, integration and youth development.

The governor said the scheme has consistently brought together young graduates from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, enabling them to live and work together while fostering a shared sense of nationhood.

Governor Adeleke made the remarks during the swearing-in and opening ceremony of the 2026 NYSC Batch A Stream II orientation programme at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede. He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Moshood Olagunju.

According to the governor, the NYSC scheme has continued to promote tolerance, mutual understanding and patriotism among Nigerian youths, while also serving as a platform for leadership development and personal growth.

“The National Youth Service Corps remains one of Nigeria’s most enduring and impactful institutions for promoting national unity, integration and youth development,” he said. “By bringing young graduates from diverse backgrounds to live and work together, the scheme fosters mutual understanding and a shared national identity.”

He urged newly deployed corps members to approach the service year with discipline, patriotism and a strong sense of purpose, stressing that the experience goes beyond national obligation.

Governor Adeleke noted that Osun State has benefitted significantly from the contributions of corps members over the years, particularly in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and community development.

He said several positive interventions across the state bear the imprint of corps members who served with commitment, innovation and integrity.

The governor also advised corps members to respect the customs and traditions of their host communities, describing the people of Osun as hospitable and peace-loving.

“You are expected to be law-abiding, respectful and culturally sensitive. I am confident that Osun State will provide a conducive environment for peaceful service and meaningful engagement,” he said, while assuring them of a safe and enabling atmosphere throughout their service year.

Encouraging the participants to maximise the opportunity, Governor Adeleke urged them to build networks, acquire practical skills and leave lasting positive impacts in the communities where they serve.

Earlier, the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Kubiangha Ekeng Ita, disclosed that 2,000 corps members—comprising 880 males and 1,120 females—have been deployed to the state for the mandatory one-year service.

He reminded the corps members of their role as ambassadors of unity and agents of national development, noting that the NYSC was established to promote patriotism, discipline and responsible citizenship.

The coordinator also issued a strong warning on the misuse of social media, urging participants to exercise restraint and professionalism in their online activities.

“Sharing sensitive camp activities or internal protocols under the guise of content creation could breach security and undermine the integrity of the orientation programme,” he cautioned, stressing that discipline remains a core value of the NYSC scheme.