Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to the state to reject groups and individuals with violent and divisive inclinations.
Rather, he advised them to align themselves with patriotic and visionary Nigerians who are committed to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
Eno, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, gave the advice in his address at the swearing-in ceremony of over 1,471 of the 2026 Batch B Stream 1 corps members deployed to the state on Monday.
He charged the corps members, whom he described as critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, to work towards bridging gaps and fostering understanding among the ethnic nationalities of the state, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and safety throughout their orientation period.
“Do not allow yourselves to be used by individuals or groups who promote division, violence, and disaffection. Rather, align yourselves with patriotic and visionary Nigerians who are committed to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation.
“As critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project, you must work towards bridging gaps and fostering understanding among our people. The nation looks up to you to inject fresh energy, vision, patriotism, and innovation into our collective quest for a better tomorrow.
“Here in Akwa Ibom State, we remain committed to your welfare and safety. My administration will continue to provide an enabling environment where you can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the state.
“Be assured that your lives and property, as well as those of every citizen and resident, will be protected against any form of threat, harassment, or abuse,” Eno said.
He also urged them to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to learn a skill and develop themselves, noting that with limited employment opportunities, corps members must position themselves as job creators, not job seekers.
According to him: “I urge you to take full advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. Learn a skill and develop your entrepreneurial potential.
“In a world where formal employment opportunities are increasingly limited, you must position yourselves to become job creators rather than job seekers. Let this opportunity ignite in you a spirit of enterprise, creativity, and innovation.”
The State Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Supply covering the duties of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Anthony Isonguyo, urged the corps members to embrace community development initiatives with passion and dedication in order to make a lasting impact, especially in rural communities.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Akuagbaogu Rosemary, reminded the governor of his pledge to upgrade the orientation camp, noting that the rains have worsened facilities in the camp.
The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, who was represented by Justice Ekpo Ntekim, administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members.
