Niger Government to Deliver New NYSC Orientation Camp Within 12 Months

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The Niger State Government has pledged to complete the first phase of a new permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp within the next 12 months, reaffirming its commitment to improving the welfare and training environment for corps members deployed to the state.

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago made the pledge during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Phase One of the ultramodern permanent orientation camp in Paiko, describing the project as a major investment in youth development and national unity.

The governor commended the Paiko community for donating eight hectares of land for the project and disclosed that funds had already been appropriated for the construction, assuring residents and stakeholders that there would be no delay in execution.

“By the grace of God, in 12 months from today, we will return here to commission Phase One of this camp,” Governor Bago said.

He also directed the contractor to commence work immediately, stressing that the state government had made adequate financial provision for the project.

“We do not award jobs without funding. The money for this project has already been appropriated, so there should be no complaints or delays,” he added.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a demonstration of the Niger State Government’s unwavering commitment to the objectives of the NYSC and the development of Nigerian youths.

He praised the state government for its consistent support for the scheme, noting that the construction of a new orientation camp would significantly improve the welfare and training experience of corps members posted to the state.

According to him, the project marks the replacement of one of the oldest and most challenging orientation camps in the country with a modern facility designed to provide a safe, secure and conducive environment for corps members.

“The new permanent orientation camp is a dream come true. It replaces one of the oldest and most challenging camps, and it is designed to provide modern, secure and conducive facilities for the training and orientation of corps members,” Nafiu said.

The NYSC Director-General also reflected on the scheme’s contributions to national development since its establishment in 1973, describing it as a vital platform for promoting national integration, discipline, patriotism and selfless service among young Nigerians.

He noted that the orientation camp remains the foundation of the NYSC programme, where graduates from different ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds build lasting relationships that strengthen national unity.

“The Orientation Camp serves as the gateway for corps members into their states of deployment. It is where young Nigerian graduates from across the country form bonds that transcend ethnic, religious and cultural boundaries,” he stated.

General Nafiu assured that the NYSC would make effective use of the new facilities to improve the comfort, safety and morale of corps members as they prepare for their primary assignments across the state.

He further commended Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa and Gombe states in providing new orientation camp facilities for corps members.

The NYSC boss also expressed appreciation to the traditional institutions, the people of Paiko and the entire Niger State for their continued hospitality and support, assuring them that corps members would continue to contribute meaningfully to the state's socio-economic development.

He urged corps members to maximise the opportunities provided by the NYSC and remain committed to the values of discipline, tolerance, patriotism and national service while serving as worthy ambassadors of their families, institutions and the nation.