Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state to see their service year as a transformative period for personal growth and national development.
Oyebanji made the call on Friday at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ise-Orun/Emure Ekiti.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Gold Adedayo, the Governor said corps members should view themselves as agents of positive change and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities.
He noted that the state would hold elections on June 20 and that many corps members would serve as ad hoc staff for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Oyebanji, therefore, urged them to remain apolitical, uphold fairness and resist all forms of political inducement.
“You represent the vibrant promise of Nigeria – energetic, educated and endowed with fresh ideas. You must remain neutral and act with integrity during this sensitive period,” he said.
The governor assured the corps members of the state government’s continued recognition and reward for outstanding service, adding that exceptional performers would be honoured accordingly.
He said Ekiti had consistently rewarded diligent corps members with state honours and encouraged the new batch to be steadfast and committed to excellence.
- Oyebanji Urges Corps Members to Be Agents of Change, Uphold Neutrality Ahead of Ekiti Polls
- Ekiti holds Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise on Saturday
- Ekiti Govt Trains Traffic Officers, Stresses Ethical Conduct
- EKIRS seeks collaboration with labour unions to strengthen tax compliance
- Ekiti Positions Sports as Economic Driver, Expands Infrastructure and Athlete Support
Oyebanji also advised them to be disciplined, respectful and diligent in their places of primary assignment, while building sustainable relationships and maximising opportunities provided by the scheme.
He further urged them to take advantage of the entrepreneurial training in camp and deepen their understanding of Nigeria’s diverse cultures.
The governor assured them of their safety in the State but however cautioned against unnecessary night travel and other risky behaviours.
Earlier, the Ekiti State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Riko Shaibu, advised corps members to shun cultism and other acts capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the orientation exercise.
Shaibu said adequate measures had been put in place to ensure security and smooth running of the camp.
He urged participants to actively engage in all orientation activities designed to prepare them for the service year.
According to him, a total of 2,508 corps members were registered for the exercise, comprising 1,082 males and 1,426 females drawn from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.