Osun welcomes 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Corps Members as Adeleke declares orientation course open
By Isa Isawade
The ancient town of Ede came alive on Friday, 2nd October, 2026, as the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, formally declared open the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course for Corps Members deployed to the state, even as he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare, security and well-being of serving Corps Members.
The colourful ceremony, held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, was attended by the Honourable Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Oyebola Adepele, who administered the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance on the prospective Corps Members, alongside distinguished guests, NYSC management and staff, security agencies, traditional institutions, and members of the press.
“Your Deployment Is an Opportunity, Not Merely an Obligation” — Governor Adeleke
In his address, Governor Adeleke, represented by the Commissioner For Youth Affairs, Olagunju Moshood Olalekan, welcomed the Corps Members to “Osun State, the State of the Living Spring,” urging them to approach their national assignment with patriotism, discipline, humility and a strong sense of responsibility.
“Having taken the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance, I urge you to approach this national assignment with patriotism, discipline, humility and a strong sense of responsibility. Your deployment to Osun should be viewed not merely as an obligation but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the development of our state and nation,” the governor said.
Describing the National Youth Service Corps as one of Nigeria’s most enduring instruments for promoting national unity, integration and responsible citizenship, the governor charged the corps members to embrace the diversity the Scheme offers by building friendships across ethnic, religious and cultural boundaries.
Governor Commends Corps Members Over Osun Governorship Election
Governor Adeleke reserved special commendation for the leadership of the NYSC, particularly the Director-General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, and the Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, as well as management, staff and corps members for their role during the 15th August, 2026 off-cycle governorship election in the state.
“The Scheme demonstrated professionalism, neutrality and discipline throughout the electoral process. I particularly appreciate the corps members who served without partisanship and discharged their responsibilities with commendable dedication. Your conduct has further demonstrated that Nigerian youths can be entrusted with sensitive national responsibilities,” he stated.
Welfare, Security Remain Priority — Governor
The Governor reaffirmed that his administration considers the welfare, security and general well-being of Corps Members serving in Osun State a priority, pledging that the ongoing rehabilitation and renovation of the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, will continue until it becomes one of the best orientation camps in the Federation.
“We recognise the importance of providing corps members with facilities that are safe, functional and befitting of their status as young Nigerians serving their fatherland. I assure the NYSC leadership and all corps members that the renovation work will continue until this camp becomes one of the best orientation camps in the Federation,” he assured.
He appreciated the NYSC management and staff, security agencies, traditional institutions, host communities and other stakeholders for their continued support, pledging that his administration will continue to strengthen the partnership in the interest of the corps members and the people of Osun State.
“My dear Corps Members, as you begin this journey, remember that your conduct matters. Be disciplined, responsible and respectful. Most importantly, remember that your service is an opportunity to demonstrate the best qualities of Nigerian youth. Wherever you find yourself, be an ambassador of peace, integrity and national unity,” the governor counselled.
He thereafter declared the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course in Osun State officially open.
Osun Coordinator Seeks Additional Bunks as Camp Hosts Dislodged PCMs
Earlier in his introductory address, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, welcomed the Governor, the Honourable Chief Judge, distinguished guests and the prospective corps members, noting that the orientation course marks the beginning of a unique chapter in their lives.
The coordinator disclosed that the state was hosting prospective corps members dislodged from Lagos and Ekiti States in addition to those deployed to Osun, bringing the total number of participants to a record high. He noted that the increased number has created an urgent need to expand accommodation facilities at the camp.
“In view of the increased number of PCMs being hosted by the state, there is an urgent need to expand the available accommodation facilities to ensure that all participants are comfortably and adequately accommodated throughout the three-week Orientation Course. I therefore humbly appeal to His Excellency, who has consistently demonstrated fatherly care and support for the welfare of corps members in Osun State, to graciously assist the NYSC with the provision of additional double bunks to augment the existing facilities and cater for the teeming number of PCMs currently being hosted by the state,” he appealed.
Orientation Course Designed to Prepare Corps Members Mentally, Physically, Socially
Mr. Kubiangha explained that the orientation course is designed to prepare participants mentally, physically and socially for the responsibilities ahead, through military drills, physical training, lectures, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, social and cultural activities, inter-platoon competitions, and community development sensitisation, among others.
He urged the corps members to participate actively in all programmes, pay attention during lectures on security, health, financial literacy, civic responsibilities and interpersonal relationships, and take seriously the information provided by instructors and facilitators.
“Discipline Is Central” — Coordinator Warns Against Indiscipline
Emphasising that discipline is central to the NYSC programme, the coordinator warned that indiscipline, cultism, drug abuse, fighting, sexual harassment, unauthorised movement and other acts capable of compromising the safety or peace of the camp will not be tolerated.
“Your safety and welfare remain our primary concern,” he assured, while urging corps members to respect camp rules, obey lawful instructions from camp officials and security personnel, and conduct themselves responsibly.
Coordinator Applauds Governor Adeleke’s Support
Mr. Kubiangha expressed sincere appreciation to Governor Adeleke for the remarkable support his administration continues to give the NYSC in the state, particularly the ongoing extensive renovation and rehabilitation of the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede.
“On behalf of the Director-General, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu, the Management and entire NYSC family, I also express our profound appreciation to His Excellency for his commitment to the welfare, security and general well-being of corps members serving in Osun State. We are particularly encouraged by the assurances of continued support towards improving the facilities at this camp and creating a more conducive environment for corps members throughout their service year. We deeply value the partnership between the Osun State Government and the NYSC,” he said.
He also appreciated security agencies, health personnel, camp officials, collaborating ministries, departments and agencies, service providers, volunteers and other stakeholders for their contributions to the success of the orientation course.
Corps Members Advised on Responsible Social Media Use, Security Consciousness
The Coordinator urged the Corps Members to use social media responsibly and maturely, remain security-conscious throughout their service year, keep supervisors and NYSC officials informed of security concerns, avoid unnecessary risks and adhere strictly to security advisories.
“Remember, your conduct will shape not only your personal reputation but also the image of the NYSC,” he cautioned.
He urged them to see the orientation course as the beginning of a journey of service, personal growth and national integration, and to take the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance with sincerity and a firm commitment to serve Nigeria faithfully.
“May your service year be safe, successful and impactful,” he prayed.
The swearing-in ceremony climaxed with the administration of the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance by the Honourable Chief Judge of Osun State, formally ushering the prospective corps members into the National Youth Service Corps for their three-week orientation course and subsequent primary assignment across the state.