The Niger State Government has announced plans to complete the first phase of a new permanent orientation camp for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Paiko within 12 months.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago made the commitment during the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed ultramodern camp, according to a statement shared by the NYSC on its official X account.
The project is expected to provide improved facilities and a more conducive environment for Corps Members undergoing their orientation and training before proceeding to their places of primary assignment.
The governor expressed appreciation to the Paiko community for making eight hectares of land available for the project. He also disclosed that funds had been appropriated for the construction, assuring that the facility would be among the best orientation camps in Nigeria when completed.
“By the grace of God in 12 months from today, we will come back here and commission the phase one of this camp,” Bago said.
He further assured the contractor handling the project that funding was already available and urged that the construction should be completed without unnecessary delays.
“To the contractor, we don’t give job without money. The money for this job has been appropriated for, and there is no time for complaint or for delay,” he said.
Speaking at the event, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the groundbreaking as a demonstration of Niger State’s continued commitment to youth development and national integration.
Nafiu commended the state government for its longstanding support for the NYSC, particularly its efforts to promote the welfare of Corps Members and create a favourable environment for their service.
“The State Government has consistently supported our activities, provided welfare for Corps Members, and fostered an enabling environment for their service. Today’s groundbreaking ceremony further demonstrates this unwavering support to the Scheme by the State,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General described the new camp as a significant development that would replace one of the oldest and most challenging orientation camps, noting that the proposed facility was designed with modern, secure and conducive facilities for Corps Members.
“The new Permanent Orientation Camp which we are about to commence the groundbreaking ceremony, is a dream come true, it replaces one of the oldest and most challenging camps and from the brief we have all received today, it is designed to provide modern, secure and conducive facilities for the training and orientation of Corps Members,” Nafiu added.
He also highlighted the broader role of the NYSC orientation programme in promoting national unity, discipline and patriotism among young Nigerian graduates.
According to him, the orientation camp provides an important platform where Corps Members from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds interact, build relationships and prepare for their national service.
Nafiu assured that the NYSC would make maximum use of the new facilities to improve the comfort and safety of Corps Members while preparing them for their primary assignments.
He further praised Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa and Gombe states in efforts to provide improved orientation facilities for Corps Members.
The NYSC chief also appreciated traditional rulers, the Paiko community and the people of Niger State for their hospitality and cooperation with the scheme over the years.
He urged Corps Members to make the most of the opportunities provided through national service and to uphold discipline, tolerance and patriotism while serving as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions and the country.
