By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has inaugurated 1,166 corps members deployed to Taraba State for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II orientation course.
The three-week orientation programme commenced on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Sibre, in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, alongside similar ceremonies held across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration, the NYSC Taraba State Coordinator, Mr Williams Ella Aji, said the orientation course was designed to promote discipline, character development, teamwork and national unity among the corps members.
Aji told the corps members that their participation in the NYSC had transformed them from graduates of different institutions into members of one national family.
> “The orientation course is not merely military drills, lectures, physical exercises and social activities. It is a school of character. In the next three weeks, we will test your discipline, resilience, adaptability, teamwork and emotional intelligence,” he said.
The coordinator urged the corps members to conduct themselves responsibly throughout the orientation exercise by respecting others, obeying legitimate instructions from camp officials and security personnel, attending scheduled activities punctually and maintaining cleanliness within the camp.
He assured them that their welfare and security would remain top priorities of the NYSC in Taraba State.
Aji also commended the North East Development Commission (NEDC) for its support towards improving facilities at the orientation camp.
According to him, the commission recently installed 50 solar-powered streetlights at the camp, significantly improving security, while work is ongoing on a solar-powered borehole with a 40,000-litre storage capacity to improve water supply and the welfare of corps members.
He encouraged the corps members to participate actively in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, saying the initiative would equip them with practical skills and promote self-reliance after their service year.
Governor Kefas Assures Corps Members of Safety
Earlier, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, assured the corps members of his administration’s commitment to their welfare and security throughout their stay in the state.
Represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, the governor said renovation works would soon commence at the orientation camp to provide a more conducive and healthy environment for corps members.
The inauguration ceremony, which was held simultaneously at the 36 NYSC state orientation camps and the Federal Capital Territory, attracted government officials, traditional rulers and representatives of security and paramilitary agencies.
Those present included the Secretary to the Government of Taraba State, Gebon T. Kataps, Chairman of the Taraba State Youth Development Agency, Hon. Gara Nongha, royal fathers and other government and security officials.
The oath of allegiance for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members was administered by Justice Clara Jummai Kataps.
The orientation course is expected to prepare the corps members for their service year while promoting national integration, discipline, leadership and community development.
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