By Nwankpa Chijioke

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has praised members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for their positive contributions to nation-building, describing their service as proof that the hope placed in them by Nigerians is not misplaced.

The governor made the remark on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch B Stream I orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Samson Dede, Governor Fubara urged the corps members to remain patriotic and make meaningful impacts in their host communities.

“Be patriotic and exemplary in making a positive impact in the lives of your host community,” he said.

He also encouraged them to take full advantage of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire relevant skills that will make them competitive in the job market.

The governor further advised the corps members to see Rivers State as their home and leverage the hospitality and accommodating nature of the people.

In his address, NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Moses Oleghe, commended the corps members for their active participation throughout the three-week orientation course.

“High profile visitors to the camp, including Hon. Martins Etim Esin, Chairman, Youth Development Committee of the House of Representatives, and Chief Emeka Mgbemena, Director Media, NYSC, have spoken highly of you and agreed that you will be of maximum positive impact in the life of the nation,” he said.

Oleghe also thanked security agencies for providing adequate security and the Executive Chairmen of Tai and Ahoada East Local Government Areas for their continued support of NYSC activities in the state.

A total of 3,517 corps members, comprising 1,574 males and 1,943 females, successfully completed the orientation course in Rivers State.