The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared open the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation course in Iseyin, calling on newly deployed corps members to embrace the values of discipline, dedication, and patriotism throughout their service year.
The swearing-in ceremony, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ogbakuta, Iseyin, brought together top government officials, NYSC leadership, traditional rulers, and hundreds of corps members from across Nigeria.
The Governor, who was represented at the occasion by the Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Kudirat Mustapha, described the NYSC Scheme as a “noble platform” that has continued to foster national unity and integration among Nigerian youths since its inception.
“The National Youth Service Corps has transcended political, social and ethnic loyalties, forming a strong basis for fostering unity among Nigerians,” the Governor noted. “It is designed to instill in our youths the right frame of mind to play meaningful roles in nation-building.”
Makinde charged the new corps members to maximize the opportunities available during the orientation exercise, especially the skills acquisition programmes, to equip themselves for future self-reliance.
“As vibrant youths with immense potential, I urge you to embrace the orientation programme fully. It will prepare you mentally, physically, and psychologically for the tasks ahead,” he said.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for corps members in the state. He highlighted ongoing youth-friendly programmes that allow young Nigerians to apply their knowledge in ways that benefit both themselves and the state’s development.
Governor Makinde took the opportunity to welcome the new NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola Peters, and urged him to build on the achievements of his predecessors.
Earlier in his address, the new State Coordinator, Mr. Peters, expressed gratitude for his appointment as the 22nd NYSC State Coordinator in Oyo, pledging to uphold and exceed the standards set by those before him.
“This is my first orientation course in Oyo State, and I take this responsibility with deep humility and a clear sense of mission,” he said. “We are here to serve the corps members — they are the heartbeat of this Scheme.”
Peters commended the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, for his reformist leadership and the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance to ₦77,000, describing it as a “bold reaffirmation of youth dignity and empowerment.”
He also expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for his unwavering support to the NYSC, and acknowledged key stakeholders including the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; Chairman of Iseyin LGA, Hon. Fadiran Razak Bisi; and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, for their continued partnership with the Scheme.
Encouraging corps members to embrace discipline and cultural immersion, Mr. Peters advised:
“Let this swearing-in not just be a legal formality, but a personal commitment to serve with integrity, humility, and passion. Be shining ambassadors of your families, institutions, and the NYSC.”
He concluded by calling on all sectors — public and private — to sustain their support for NYSC as a national asset, emphasizing that the contributions of corps members continue to fuel progress in education, health, agriculture, and social development across the country.
