Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to live up to the trust Nigerians have placed in them by playing active roles in ensuring credible elections in 2027 and contributing to the country’s development.
Fubara gave the charge on Friday while declaring open the 2026 Batch C Stream II orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Promise Oguzie, the governor urged the corps members to appreciate the hospitality of Rivers residents by serving the state with commitment, patriotism and selflessness.
He assured them that his administration would continue to prioritise their safety and welfare, while encouraging them to make positive contributions that would leave the state better than they found it.
Earlier, the Rivers State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Moses Oleghe, disclosed that the state had received the highest number of corps members in its history, attributing the increase to the attractive welfare packages available to serving youths.
However, Oleghe expressed concern over the pressure on existing accommodation facilities, appealing to the state government to fast-track the construction of the proposed 1,000-capacity hostels for male and female corps members.
He also urged the corps members to uphold neutrality, patriotism, integrity, honesty and transparency in carrying out their duties, particularly when serving as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.
According to him, their conduct during the electoral process would play an important role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring that credible leaders emerge.
A total of 4,485 corps members deployed to Rivers State took the oath of allegiance at the ceremony. They were sworn in by Justice Victor Ugorji, who represented the state’s Chief Judge.
