By Rhoda Godwin
A total of 1,350 corps members have been sworn in for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 orientation exercise of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Bayelsa State.
The swearing-in ceremony was held on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Kaiama, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area. The Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayimieye, represented by Justice Inikade Eradiri, administered the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance to the corps members.
In his welcome address, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Daniel Pepple, disclosed that all 1,350 corps members successfully registered for the mandatory orientation programme and are already settling into camp life. He described the corps members as disciplined and obedient, noting that they have been responding positively to instructions from camp officials.
Pepple explained that the orientation programme would last 21 days, after which participants would be posted to their various places of primary assignment. He added that the corps members would also undergo skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training to enhance self-reliance and productivity.
He urged them to embrace teamwork, discipline and responsibility, stressing that the nation needs their positive contributions at this critical time. The coordinator also commended the Bayelsa State Government, led by Governor Douye Diri, for providing a conducive environment and adequate support for the camp and its officials.
Speaking at the event, Governor Douye Diri emphasized the importance of the orientation camp in shaping the character of corps members. He encouraged them to respect one another, uphold discipline and protect the image of the NYSC scheme. The governor further advised them to upgrade their skills, especially in information and communication technology (ICT), to broaden their learning opportunities during service.
Governor Diri reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of corps members in Bayelsa and thanked the NYSC national leadership for its continuous efforts in youth development.
