The Niger State Government has pledged to complete a new permanent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko within the next 12 months, in a move aimed at improving the welfare and training environment for corps members posted to the state.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago made the commitment on Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the first phase of the ultramodern orientation camp, assuring that funds for the project had already been appropriated and that construction would proceed without delays.
"By the grace of God, in 12 months from today, we will come back here and commission the phase one of this camp," the governor said in a statement by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, on Monday.
He noted that the state government does not award contracts without providing funds, stressing that the contractor had no reason for delays since financing for the project had been secured.
Governor Bago also commended the Paiko community for donating eight hectares of land for the project, expressing confidence that the completed camp would rank among the best orientation facilities in the country.
Speaking at the event, NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described the groundbreaking as a clear demonstration of Niger State's commitment to youth development, national unity and the objectives of the NYSC scheme.
He praised the state government for its consistent support for the scheme through improved welfare for corps members and the provision of an enabling environment for their service.
According to him, the new orientation camp will replace one of the oldest and most challenging facilities currently used by the scheme and will provide modern, secure and conducive infrastructure for the orientation and training of corps members.
"The new Permanent Orientation Camp is a dream come true. It replaces one of the oldest and most challenging camps and is designed to provide modern, secure and conducive facilities for the training and orientation of Corps Members," Nafiu said.
The NYSC boss said orientation camps remain central to the scheme's mission of promoting national integration, discipline, patriotism and unity among Nigerian youths, noting that they serve as the first point of interaction for graduates deployed from different parts of the country.
He assured that the new facilities would be fully utilized to enhance the comfort, safety and morale of corps members before their deployment to their places of primary assignment.
Nafiu also commended Niger State for joining Lagos, Adamawa and Gombe states in investing in new orientation camp facilities for the NYSC.
He expressed appreciation to the traditional institutions, the people of Paiko and residents of Niger State for their continued support and hospitality, while urging corps members to uphold discipline, tolerance, patriotism and serve as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria throughout their service year.