The Governor of Osun State has called on members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to maintain strict political neutrality as the state prepares for the August 15 governorship election.
The governor made the appeal on Monday during the official opening of the NYSC orientation course held at the permanent camp in Ede.
Represented by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Moruf Adeleke, the governor stressed the importance of discipline, impartiality and professionalism, particularly for corps members who may participate in electoral duties.
He noted that the state was entering a sensitive political period and emphasized that young national service participants must avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Corps members were urged to remain non-partisan and ensure strict compliance with guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as the rules governing the NYSC scheme.
The governor also cautioned against any form of political influence or inducement, urging them to act in ways that promote credible and transparent elections.
He further encouraged participants to observe camp regulations, adding that such discipline would help them gain maximum benefit from the orientation programme.
Reaffirming government support, he assured corps members of continued welfare and security throughout their service year in the state, while urging them to approach their assignments with patriotism, dedication and humility.
Earlier in the event, the NYSC State Coordinator, Ekeng Kubiangha, commended the state government for its consistent support for the scheme.
He disclosed that about 3,000 corps members—comprising 1,600 females and 1,400 males—had been deployed to Osun State for the service year.
Kubiangha also stressed that the credibility of any election depends largely on the conduct of all stakeholders, especially those directly involved in the process.
He advised corps members to resist any form of pressure or inducement, and to strictly adhere to INEC regulations in order to contribute to a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The coordinator further encouraged the corps members to embrace Nigeria’s cultural diversity by building relationships across ethnic and religious lines, noting that the orientation camp was designed to foster discipline, unity and personal development.
The orientation programme is expected to continue in line with NYSC guidelines across the state.