By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage— The Niger State Government has pledged to complete a new permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp within the next 12 months, reaffirming its commitment to improving facilities for the training and welfare of corps members.
Governor Mohammed Bago gave the assurance during the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase One of the ultramodern Permanent Orientation Camp in Paiko, saying the project would replace one of the state’s oldest orientation facilities and rank among the best in the country upon completion.
Bago commended the Paiko community for donating eight hectares of land for the project and disclosed that funds for the construction had already been appropriated, assuring that there would be no financial constraints delaying execution.
“By the grace of God, in 12 months from today, we will return here to commission Phase One of this camp,” the governor said.
Addressing the contractor, he stressed the government’s commitment to timely delivery of the project.
“We do not award contracts without funding. The money for this project has already been appropriated, so there should be no excuse for delays,” he added.
In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a reflection of the Niger State Government’s confidence in the Scheme and its dedication to youth development and national integration.
He praised the state government for its consistent support for the NYSC through the provision of welfare for corps members and the creation of an enabling environment for them to serve effectively.
According to him, the new orientation camp marks a major milestone for the Scheme, replacing one of its oldest and most challenging camps with a modern facility designed to provide secure, conducive and functional accommodation and training infrastructure.
“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,” Nafiu said.
He noted that the orientation camp remains central to the NYSC’s mandate of fostering national unity, discipline and patriotism among young Nigerian graduates.
“The orientation camp experience is the foundation upon which these ideals are built. It is at the camp that young Nigerian graduates from across the country begin to form bonds that transcend ethnic, religious and cultural boundaries,” he said.
The NYSC Director-General assured that the new facilities would be effectively utilized to improve the comfort, safety and morale of corps members before their deployment to places of primary assignment.
He also commended Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa and Gombe states in investing in modern orientation camp facilities for the Scheme.
Nafiu expressed appreciation to the traditional institutions, the people of Paiko and the government of Niger State for their sustained hospitality and support for the NYSC over the years, while assuring that corps members would continue to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
He urged corps members to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Scheme and remain committed to the values of discipline, tolerance, patriotism and selfless service to the nation.
