The Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo, has welcomed the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I corps members deployed to Enugu State, assuring them of a safe, supportive and memorable orientation experience in Awgu.
Okolo spoke during the official swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Awgu, where 2,101 prospective corps members — comprising 983 males and 1,118 females — were registered for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course in Enugu State.
The ceremony brought together the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; NYSC officials; the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; the Awgu Council Chairman, Hon. Uchenna Joseph Okolo; security and government officials, as well as other stakeholders.
Okolo: Awgu Is Ready to Give Corps Members a Memorable Experience
Welcoming the Governor and the new corps members to Awgu, Okolo described the National Youth Service Corps scheme as an important platform for national integration, consciousness and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the NYSC programme provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to interact with people from different cultural, ethnic and social backgrounds while contributing to national development.
The Chairman assured the corps members that their stay in Awgu and Enugu State would be safe and rewarding, noting that the state government had continued to invest in infrastructure and security.
Okolo particularly highlighted the ongoing transformation of the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, noting that roads within the camp were being paved and provided with drainage infrastructure, while the Mgbowo–NYSC Orientation Camp road was also undergoing construction.
He further pointed to new buildings and other ongoing interventions at the orientation camp, describing the projects as significant efforts toward improving the welfare and comfort of corps members serving in Enugu State.
The Chairman also drew attention to the newly developed Games Village located close to the NYSC camp, describing it as another major facility available to Ndi Enugu, Ndi Awgu and visitors.
‘Mbah Has Transformed Education and Primary Healthcare’ — Okolo
In his address, Okolo commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for what he described as major interventions in education, healthcare, security and infrastructure.
He specifically cited the establishment of Smart Green Schools and the construction of primary healthcare facilities across the state, saying the initiatives were aimed at improving access to quality education and healthcare.
Okolo also commended the Governor for the ongoing improvement of the NYSC Orientation Camp, saying the intervention demonstrated attention to the welfare of corps members deployed to Enugu State.
He assured the new corps members that Awgu Local Government Council would continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with the NYSC authorities and provide necessary interventions within its capacity whenever required.
Mbah: ‘Let Nigeria Earn the Patriotism of Its Young People’
Addressing the corps members, Governor Peter Mbah challenged Nigerians to build a country capable of earning the patriotism of its younger generation.
Mbah argued that Nigeria’s large youth population could become a demographic advantage if the country creates the education, skills, employment opportunities, enterprise environment and institutions required for young people to turn their talents into productivity and prosperity.
The Governor urged the corps members to look beyond what Nigeria could provide for them and also consider what they could contribute to the country.
He said patriotism requires young Nigerians to remain committed to the country even when they encounter difficulties, while also challenging them to contribute constructively toward correcting what is wrong.
Mbah further urged Nigerians to work toward a country where travelling abroad would be a personal choice rather than an escape from limited opportunities at home.
“Together, we can build a country where ‘japa’ is a choice, not an escape,” the Governor said.
He also encouraged the corps members to approach their service year as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions wherever they are posted.
Governor Assures Corps Members of Safety, Welfare in Enugu
Mbah assured the corps members that the Enugu State Government would continue working with the NYSC authorities to provide a conducive and supportive environment for their service year.
He noted that Enugu had historically accommodated people from different parts of Nigeria and cited the emergence of Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man from Sokoto, as the first Mayor of Enugu when the city attained municipal status in 1952.
According to the Governor, the history demonstrated that a person’s place of origin should not necessarily determine how far the person can go in Enugu, stressing the importance of contribution and citizenship.
NYSC: 2,101 Corps Members Registered in Enugu
Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Oluwakemi Awolola, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that 2,101 corps members had successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I orientation programme in Enugu State.
She gave the breakdown as 983 males and 1,118 females, adding that the corps members had demonstrated cooperation and enthusiasm since arriving at the camp.
Awolola expressed appreciation to the Enugu State Government for what she described as its commitment to the welfare, security and general wellbeing of corps members.
She also highlighted the ongoing comprehensive intervention and rehabilitation of the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, as well as improved welfare support for serving corps members.
Chief Judge Swears In Corps Members
The new corps members were formally sworn in by the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena, who was represented at the ceremony by Justice Anthony Onovo.
The event also featured a colourful parade by the newly inducted corps members, marking the formal commencement of their orientation programme.
Mbah Inspects NYSC Camp Projects
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Mbah undertook an inspection tour of the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, where he inspected completed and ongoing projects undertaken to improve the camp’s facilities and create a more conducive environment for corps members.
The inspection formed part of the state government’s continuing engagement with the NYSC and its efforts to improve the physical infrastructure and welfare environment at the camp.
Okolo Urges Corps Members to Embrace Discipline and Service
In his concluding remarks, Chairman Okolo urged the corps members to obey the rules and regulations governing the NYSC programme and approach the regimented aspects of the orientation exercise with discipline.
He reminded them that the training was intended to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead and encouraged them to make the most of their service year.
Okolo also urged the corps members to play their part as responsible citizens and contribute positively to Nigeria’s democratic and civic development.
Chairman Expresses Gratitude for Second-Term Mandate
On a personal note, Okolo used the occasion to express gratitude to Governor Mbah for the opportunity to continue serving the people of Awgu.
The Chairman thanked the Governor for his support and acknowledged his recent swearing-in for a second term as Executive Chairman of Awgu Local Government Area.
He pledged continued commitment to the people of Awgu and to constructive collaboration with the Enugu State Government and relevant institutions in advancing development at the grassroots.
The NYSC Batch ‘C’ Stream I ceremony in Awgu consequently combined the formal commencement of another cycle of national service with renewed emphasis on youth development, national integration, civic responsibility and the provision of improved facilities for corps members serving in Enugu State.
