Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno.

File: Akwa Ibom Governor, Umo Eno.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to the state to use the orientation camp as an opportunity to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional boundaries.

He said the bonds formed in the camp might one day help shape the future of Nigeria, adding that the unity, peace and progress of the country depend partly on how well they maximise the camp experience.

Eno stated this in his address at the NYSC orientation camp during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members on Friday.

The governor, who was represented by the Director of Youth Development, Mr Emmanuel Akpabio, who is overseeing the duties of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth Development, urged the corps members to ensure their contributions transcend ethnic, religious and linguistic lines.

He urged them to embrace diversity as a source of strength and work together in harmony and mutual respect in order to achieve an egalitarian society.

“As strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project, your contributions must transcend ethnic, religious, linguistic and socio-cultural boundaries. Our country looks to you for fresh ideas, renewed hope and the promise of a brighter future.

“Embrace this diversity as a source of strength and work together in harmony and mutual respect. Use this unique opportunity to build lasting friendships across ethnic and regional lines. The bonds you form here may one day shape the future of our country. The unity, peace and progress of Nigeria depend, in part, on how well you maximise this experience.

“Nigeria needs your generation to demonstrate that peaceful coexistence is achievable and that the dreams of our founding fathers—a just, united and indivisible nation—are attainable and not merely a mirage. I therefore urge you to remain disciplined,” Eno said.

He assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their welfare and security, adding that steps were being taken to address the deteriorating condition of the camp facilities.

According to him, “The Government of Akwa Ibom State remains firmly committed to your welfare and safety throughout your service year. We are taking deliberate steps to ensure your security and comfort.

“Be assured that your lives and property, as well as those of all residents of the state, will be adequately protected against any form of harassment or intimidation by individuals or groups with ill motives.

“I am aware of the current state of infrastructure at your orientation camp. I assure you that work will commence very shortly.”

Earlier, in her address, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Akuagbaogu Rosemary, while congratulating the corps members on reaching the orientation milestone, urged them to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme in view of the prevailing unemployment situation in the country.

She said, “In view of the prevailing challenge of youth unemployment in our country, the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme remains one of the flagship initiatives of the NYSC aimed at addressing this challenge.

“Take the programme seriously by choosing a skill and participating actively in all training sessions.”

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, who was represented by Justice Bassey Ekamen, administered the oath of allegiance to the corps members.