Kwara NYSC assures corp members of safety, boosts skills development

Beyond promoting national integration and unity through the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olaoluwa Joshua Onifade, Kwara State coordinator of the scheme, has assured prospective corps members that adequate measures have been put in place by both the Federal and Kwara State governments to guarantee their safety throughout the service year.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Onifade described the temporary orientation camp located within the Kwara State Polytechnic as safe, secure, and conducive for corps members.

He explained that the orientation camp was relocated from its permanent site in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, due to security concerns and misinformation surrounding the area, stressing that the temporary camp provides a peaceful and secure environment for all participants.

According to him, about 2,000 prospective corps members are currently undergoing the 2026 Batch B Orientation Course at the camp.

Onifade noted that the welfare and security of corps members, as well as personnel attached to the scheme, remain top priorities for the government and the NYSC management.

“These young people are the future of Nigeria. While we acknowledge that it is God who ultimately protects us, both the Federal and State governments have put adequate measures in place to ensure the safety of corps members so they can enjoy a memorable and rewarding service year,” he said.

The state coordinator explained that the NYSC programme is built on three core objectives – orientation, primary assignment, and personal development.

“We help corps members overcome their fears, particularly concerns about insecurity. We expose them to various Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes and encourage them to acquire practical skills that will support them beyond their service year.

“We prioritise empowering corps members by redirecting their attention from fear to opportunities. Through entrepreneurship training, we equip them with skills that will make them self-reliant and economically productive.”

He listed some of the vocational training offered at the camp to include bead making, tailoring, fashion designing, and other skill-based ventures, noting that corps members are encouraged to develop their talents into viable sources of income.

“There may not always be enough paid jobs for everyone, but with entrepreneurial skills, individuals are better positioned to create opportunities for themselves. Those with practical skills are thriving because they can market their talents anywhere in the world.

“Nigerians are naturally resilient and resourceful. That is one of the reasons they excel in different parts of the world. So, we want corps members to realise that they have responsibilities to contribute meaningfully to society and that acquiring vocational skills alongside their professional qualifications gives them an added advantage after service.”

Onifade further disclosed that the NYSC has put in place strategic security measures to monitor the movement of corps members within and outside the orientation camp.

He explained that whenever corps members are officially permitted to leave the camp or embark on journeys, their parents are duly informed, while necessary security protocols are observed to ensure they depart early enough and travel safely.

He reiterated that the NYSC remains committed to providing a secure, productive, and enriching orientation programme for all corps members deployed to Kwara State.