Bayelsa Welcomes 1,350 Corps Members as NYSC Begins 2026 Batch ‘A’ Orientation

Rita Enemuru, Reporting

A total of 1,350 corps members have been sworn in by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 orientation programme, marking the start of their mandatory one-year national service in Bayelsa State.

The swearing-in ceremony was held on Friday at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Kaiama, within the state’s Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.

Our correspondent reports that the Bayelsa State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayimieye, represented by Justice Inikade Eradiri, administered the national pledge and oath of allegiance to the corps members.

In his welcome address, the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Daniel Pepple, confirmed that all 1,350 corps members had successfully registered for the mandatory orientation exercise and were gradually settling into camp life.

He commended the corps members for their discipline and good conduct, noting their readiness to learn and their adherence to instructions from camp officials and instructors.

Mr. Pepple explained that the 21-day orientation programme is designed to prepare the corps members for national service, after which they will be posted to their respective Places of Primary Assignment. He added that they would also take part in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, aimed at equipping them with practical and business skills.

“The orientation camp will instil the spirit of teamwork and enable them to contribute productively to society,” he said, stressing that “the nation needs their commitment and sense of responsibility now more than ever.”

Mr. Pepple further thanked the Bayelsa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Douye Diri, for providing a conducive and comfortable environment for both corps members and camp officials.

In his remarks, Governor Douye Diri emphasised the importance of the orientation camp to the success of the NYSC scheme. He urged the corps members to respect one another and uphold the values of discipline and integrity.

The governor encouraged them to leverage Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance their skills and broaden their learning opportunities during the service year.

He also expressed appreciation to the NYSC national leadership for its sustained commitment to youth development, assuring them that the Bayelsa State Government remains fully committed to the welfare and safety of all corps members serving in the state.