By Sola Rotimi
All orientation activities for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have been suspended at the Kwara State Permanent Orientation Camp, Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area.
Addressing newsmen at the Corps Secretariat in Ilorin, the State Coordinator, Mr. Olaoluwa Onifade, announced that the 2025 Stream Two, Batch B orientation exercise—scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 24—will now hold at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
He explained that the relocation was directed by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as part of measures to safeguard corps members and strengthen security at the Yikpata camp.
“This is an opportunity to assure Nigerians that the NYSC, as an institution, is here to serve them under the mandate given by the Federal Government. This is what we have been doing for the past 50 years. We put the security and welfare of our corps members as very important—something not to be joked about,” Mr. Onifade stated.
The Coordinator further disclosed that the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, had dispatched a team of inspectors to carry out a thorough assessment of the temporary camp site, with the backing of heavy security.
“We want to further stress that the place we want to use at the Kwara State Polytechnic is a very safe and secure environment. In fact, the facility is an entire community on its own, and we are prepared to commence the orientation course as slated,” he assured.
Mr. Onifade also gave assurance to prospective corps members, parents, and guardians that adequate arrangements had been made to guarantee safety throughout the three-week orientation exercise and the service year.
“We’re not leaving any stone unturned. And even though we’ve found ourselves in a haven, we’re still going to have armed soldiers, policemen, DSS—every security architecture of the state will be deployed to ensure that every life and property is safe,” he emphasized.
He, however, dismissed reports suggesting security lapses at the Yikpata camp as false.
The Coordinator added that the NYSC would continue to complement the efforts of the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the Kwara State Government in promoting youth development.
Edited by Azeezat Hambali
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