The Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs Chinwe Nwachuku, on Friday made passionate appeal to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, for urgent support following the destruction of key infrastructure at the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Corps Members, Mrs Nwachuku expressed deep appreciation for the governor’s consistent support for the scheme in the state, but said the camp recently suffered serious damage due to a windstorm.
Our correspondent reports that Gombe State Chief Judge, Justice Halima Mohammed, represented by Justice Zainab Abdulkadir, administered oath of allegiance on 893 males and 736 females totalling 1,629 corps members.
Nwachuku said, “I want to seize this opportunity to profoundly thank His Excellency for the love the scheme enjoys in Gombe State.
“But as we are gathered here today, it is with tears in my eyes that I want to bring to the attention of His Excellency, a very pressing concern that affects the welfare and safety of not just these vibrant young men and women, but the entire camp community.”
She revealed that a strong wind on Tuesday ripped off the roof of the camp’s multi-purpose pavilion, which she described as a vital hub for NYSC activities. Several hostels were also affected, leaving some rooms leaking or completely open to the elements.
“This pavilion serves as a vital hub for our activities and it has been severely blown off. Some rooms are not just leaking but are open,” she lamented.
“It will be wicked of the camp community to pray against rain during this planting season, but my children are always wondering what their fate will be in case of rainfall.”
Nwachuku appealed to Governor Yahaya to consider an emergency intervention to repair the damaged facilities and restore a safe and conducive environment for the corps members.
“Your support will not only provide a safe and conducive environment but also inspire and motivate these young individuals to serve our state with renewed vigor,” she added.
She also extended her gratitude to the Chief Judge of Gombe State, Hon. Justice Mohammed, for administering the Oath of Allegiance, as well as to traditional rulers, corps employers, heads of parastatals, local government chairmen, and the people of Amada for their continued support for the NYSC scheme.
While welcoming the new corps members, she encouraged them to embrace the service year with openness and discipline.
“I enjoin you to live freely in the state while obeying the laws and traditions of the people wherever you may be posted. I assure you that most of you,” she stated.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries across all levels of government, marked the formal beginning of the three-week orientation course for the newly deployed corps members, who will subsequently be posted to various sectors across the state.
Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, who was represented by Deputy Governor Dr Manassah Jatau, assured that the welfare of the corps will be prioritised, urging them to de-emphasise their preconceived beliefs.
The governor noted that no culture is absolute, stressing the need for the corps members to adapt to their present environment.
“Your own tradition, culture, norms are not general belief; adapt to the culture of your environment. It’s our expectation that your batch will excel, be guided by the norms of NYSC,” he said.
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While lauding the State Coordinator and her staff, the governor added “What I have seen is the effect of her managerial ability, from what I saw you have been doing extra well. It’s a job well done, this is highly commendable.”
