Katsina swears in 1,201 corps members, NYSC urges camp repairs

A total of 1,201 prospective corps members — comprising 505 females and 696 males — of the 2025 Batch A Stream II deployed to Katsina State have been sworn in for a three-week orientation camp.

Declaring the orientation camp open on Friday, Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari, emphasised the need for corps members to imbibe virtues such as equity, fairness, healthy competition, non-violence, good governance, positive leadership, and tolerance during their stay at the camp.

According to Faskari, “On behalf of the government and good people of Katsina State, I welcome you warmly and urge you to feel at home. We in Katsina State are NYSC-friendly, and I want to assure you of a conducive atmosphere throughout your service year. I have no doubt that you will find Katsina State a home away from home, as our people are generally receptive and accommodating.”

He acknowledged the contributions of corps members to the development of the state, especially through Community Development Service projects and in supplementing manpower in the education and healthcare sectors.

I challenge you, therefore, to live up to the standard already set by your predecessors for the progress and development of Katsina State and the nation in general. It is my firm belief that the orientation programme will equip you for the great task ahead.

“The programme should stimulate and facilitate your understanding of the national aspirations and the socio-economic demands of our great country.

“Let me reiterate that during your stay in this camp and throughout your service year, you are to shun cultism, political and religious intolerance, and any other form of anti-social behaviour.”

On his part, the NYSC State Coordinator, Saidu Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to Governor Radda for his administration’s continued support for the scheme.

However, Ibrahim appealed to the state government to address pending promises related to camp infrastructure.

“Your Excellency, I would like to seize this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to you and the Katsina State Government for your unwavering support to the Scheme. Your efforts have significantly contributed to the smooth operations of the NYSC in the state.

“We, however, look forward to further collaboration and intervention in key areas such as the provision of additional hostel blocks for camp officials, renovation of corps members’ hostels, and the supply of lecture tents and additional plastic chairs to enhance comfort during training and lectures.

“These improvements will, no doubt, boost the morale of both staff and corps members and improve the overall camp experience,” he added.

He further emphasised that the orientation course is a vital part of the NYSC programme, carefully structured to instil discipline, resilience, and the values necessary for effective national service.