The Niger State Government has pledged to complete the construction of a new permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp within the next 12 months, in a move aimed at providing a modern and conducive training environment for corps members deployed to the state.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations of the NYSC, Caroline Embu, Governor Dr. Mohammed Umar Bago gave the assurance during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phase One of the ultramodern Permanent Orientation Camp at Paiko.
The governor commended the host community for donating eight hectares of land for the project and disclosed that his administration had already appropriated funds for the construction, assuring that the facility would rank among the best orientation camps in the country upon completion.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to timely execution of the project, stating that the contractor had been adequately funded and would not have any reason for delays.
Governor Bago expressed confidence that the first phase of the camp would be completed and commissioned within 12 months.
Speaking at the event, the Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a demonstration of Niger State’s unwavering commitment to youth development, national unity and the objectives of the NYSC Scheme.
He commended the state government for its consistent support for the Scheme over the years, including the provision of welfare for corps members and the creation of an enabling environment for national service.
General Nafiu said the new orientation camp would replace one of the oldest and most challenging camps in the country, noting that the facility had been designed to provide modern, secure and conducive infrastructure for the orientation and training of corps members.
He emphasized that orientation camps remain central to the NYSC mandate, describing them as the foundation where young Nigerian graduates begin their national service journey while building relationships that transcend ethnic, religious and cultural differences.
The NYSC Director General noted that since its establishment in 1973, the Scheme has continued to serve as a platform for promoting national integration, patriotism, discipline and selfless service among Nigerian youths.
He assured that the new facilities would be effectively utilized to improve the comfort, safety and morale of corps members as they prepare for deployment to their places of primary assignment.
General Nafiu also applauded Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa and Gombe states in providing new orientation camp facilities for the NYSC, describing the initiative as a significant investment in the future of Nigerian youths and national development.
He further appreciated the traditional institutions, the people of Paiko and residents of Niger State for their continued hospitality and support for corps members, while encouraging serving corps members to embrace the opportunities offered by the NYSC and uphold the values of discipline, tolerance, patriotism and national service.
