NYSC prioritises welfare, security of corps members in Taraba

The Taraba State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Ella Aji Williams, has assured corps members deployed to the state that their welfare and security remain the scheme’s top priorities.

Williams gave the assurance on Friday during the swearing-in and inauguration of 1,166 corps members deployed to Taraba State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Sibre, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.

He described the three-week orientation exercise as a vital programme designed to instil discipline, build character and promote national unity among graduates.

Addressing the corps members, Williams said they were no longer graduates from different institutions but members of one national family under the NYSC scheme.

“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.

The state coordinator urged the corps members to conduct themselves responsibly by respecting one another, obeying lawful instructions from camp officials and security personnel, attending all scheduled activities punctually, and maintaining a clean camp environment.

Williams also commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its continued support for the NYSC in Taraba State. According to him, the commission recently installed 50 solar-powered street lights at the orientation camp, significantly enhancing security.

He added that the NEDC is currently installing a solar-powered borehole with a 40,000-litre storage capacity to improve water supply and the overall welfare of corps members.

The coordinator further encouraged participants to take full advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that it offers opportunities to acquire practical skills for self-reliance after national service.

Earlier, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and security of corps members throughout their service year in the state.

Represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr John Kizito Bonzena, the governor disclosed that renovation works would soon commence at the orientation camp to provide more conducive and healthier living conditions for corps members.