By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on Friday inaugurated 1,166 corps members deployed to Taraba State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sibre, in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.
Mr Williams Ella Aji, the NYSC Taraba State Coordinator, noted that the three-week exercise was designed to build character, discipline and national unity among graduates.
Williams told the corps members that they were no longer just graduates from different institutions, but members of one national family under the NYSC.
“The orientation course is not merely military drills, lectures, physical exercises and social activities. It is a school of character. In the next three weeks we will test your discipline, resilience, adaptability, teamwork and emotional intelligence,” he said.
He urged them to manage themselves well, relate respectfully with others, obey legitimate instructions from camp officials and security personnel, be punctual, attend all scheduled programs, and keep the camp environment clean.
The Coordinator assured the corps members that their welfare and safety remain top priorities for the NYSC in Taraba.
He also appreciated the North East Development Commission for its support to the scheme in the state.
According to him, NEDC recently installed 50 solar-powered street lights in the camp, which has significantly improved security, added that the commission is currently installing a solar-powered borehole with a storage capacity of 40,000 litres to strengthen water supply and improve welfare.
Williams encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program during the orientation to acquire skills for self-reliance after service.
Speaking earlier, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, assured corps members of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and security throughout their stay in the state.
Represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, Kefas said renovation works would soon commence in the camp to provide conducive and healthy living conditions.
The event which held simultaneously across the 36 state orientation camps and the FCT, was well attended by top government functionaries such as the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Gebon T Kataps, the Chairman, Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, royal fathers, representatives of security and paramilitary formations in the state, among others.
The oath of allegiance for batch ‘B’ stream ii was administered by Justice Clara Jummai Kataps.
