Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has charged corps members to contribute meaningfully to nation-building, develop leadership skills, and positively impact their host communities.

The governor gave the charge on Friday during the swearing-in of Batch A, Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin.

Makinde, represented by Mrs Kudirat Mustapha, Director of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, also assured the NYSC of the state government’s continued support for the scheme.

The governor urged the corps members to take the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme with all seriousness during the orientation exercise.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your lives. By taking the oath of allegiance, you have accepted the call to serve our dear nation with dedication, integrity, and a high level of patriotism.

“I encourage you to acquire skills that will make you self-reliant, innovative, and economically empowered beyond your service year.

“The future belongs to those who are prepared, and the SAED programme is designed to prepare you for life after NYSC,” he said.

Makinde further said that the government had deliberately created an enabling environment for corps members to live, work, and serve safely.

According to him, Oyo State is known for its rich history, hospitality, cultural diversity, and peaceful coexistence of residents.

He said that the safety of corps members posted to the state remained his top priority.

“I assure you that our administration will continue to prioritise your welfare, security, and well-being throughout your service year.

“As you proceed with your mandatory one-year national service journey, I charge you to be good ambassadors of your families, institutions, states of origin, and the NYSC scheme,” he said.

In his remarks, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Peters Kayode, urged the corps members to uphold discipline, demonstrate integrity, and embody the true spirit of service.

Kayode also advised them to participate actively in all camp activities, particularly the SAED training.

“This stream represents not just a continuation, but a reinforcement of our collective resolve under 2026 Batch ‘A’, themed: ‘Revamping the Orientation Course Experience as a Platform for Impactful Service by Corps Members’.

“This vision challenges us to reimagine the orientation course as more than a routine exercise.

“It is a deliberate and strategic foundation upon which corps members will build a year of relevance, innovation, and impactful service across communities,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3,026 corps members, comprising 1,217 males and 1,809 females, were posted to the state.

In addition, 451 corps members, comprising 188 males and 263 females, were dislodged from other states to Oyo State for the orientation programme.

The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Olusola Adetujoye.