The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has sworn in 1,350 corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 orientation exercise and the mandatory one-year national service in Bayelsa State.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
The Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayimieye, represented by Justice Inikade Eradiri, administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members.
In his welcome address, the Bayelsa NYSC Coordinator, Mr Daniel Pepple, disclosed that all 1,350 corps members posted to the state had successfully registered for the orientation programme.
Pepple noted that the corps members had demonstrated good conduct by adhering to instructions from camp officials and instructors.
“The orientation exercise will last for 21 days, after which the corps members will be posted to their places of primary assignment,” he said.
He added that the programme would also include skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development training, as well as lessons on teamwork aimed at preparing the participants to contribute productively to national development.
Pepple stressed that the nation needed the corps members at this time and urged them to be responsible and disciplined throughout the camp.
He commended Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, for providing a conducive environment and adequate facilities at the orientation camp for both corps members and camp officials.
In his remarks, Governor Diri described the orientation camp as a crucial component of national service, urging the corps members to respect one another and uphold the values instilled in them during their training.
The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Kemepadei, encouraged the corps members to upgrade their skills, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT), to enhance their learning experience during service.
He thanked the NYSC for its continuous efforts in youth development and assured the corps members of the state government’s commitment to their welfare and safety throughout their stay in Bayelsa.