THE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reopened its orientation camp in Zamfara State after a sixteen-month closure due to security concerns.
The reopening ceremony which was held on Friday at the temporary camp in Gusau also marked the swearing-in of Batch C Stream 1 corps members deployed to the state.
The Permanent orientation camp situated in Tsafe town, headquarters of Tsafe Local Government Area is under renovation and reconstruction by the state government.
The closure of the camp in 2023 had caused disruptions for prospective corps members posted to the state, while many were posted to Kebbi and other states for orientation programme.
The NYSC leadership expressed confidence in the improved security situation, enabling the resumption of activities.
The Zamfara State NYSC coordinator, Muhammad Lawan Ahmed, encouraged corps members to focus on the goals of national unity and integration while taking advantage of the skills acquisition programs offered during the orientation camp.
“This ceremony is significant and historic as it marks the resumption of orientation activities in the state more than a year after (closed),” he said.
“At the end of call-up registration, 400 corp members made up 320 males and 80 females are ready to be sworn in and formally Kickstart the orientation course.
“To my dear Corp members, I want to welcome you to Zamfara State, I urge you to maintain a high level of discipline, tolerance and proper understanding of the essence of the orientation course.”
The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youth Development, urged the corps members to act as good ambassadors of their respective states and the NYSC scheme.
He encouraged them to embrace the values of unity and service, adding that Zamfara offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and learning.
“I urge you to take every segment of the Orientation course seriously and specifically pay attention to the lectures of your immediate environment to get first-hand knowledge of Zamfara State,” he said.
“As a Government, we will continue to partner with the National Youth Service Corps to ensure that the State derives maximally the benefits of this lofty programme. We will pay full attention to your security and welfare, and give you all necessary support to carry out your duties.”
Speaking with journalists at the event, Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Mohammed Dalijan, affirmed that adequate security measures have been put in place to safeguard the lives of the corps members.
“We are here for another orientation for Corp members, the fact that you have seen me here, the Brigade Commander and the Director of DSS means we are ready to provide adequate security for the corpers in Zamfara State, they should not fear, nothing will ever happen, Zamfara is now safe,” the CP said.
“The orientation camp was closed due to insecurity and it has been opened now because security has improved in the state. We will not advice NYSC to post them to areas where there is insecurity, they will be posted to areas that are safe and we will ensure that we provide security for them, the Army and the police are ready to make more deployment to where NYSC members are serving.”
The corps members participating in the orientation programme expressed enthusiasm about their deployment to Zamfara.
While speaking with Channels Television, some corps members highlighted their eagerness to embrace the state’s culture and contribute to its development.
“I was excited when NYSC posted me to Zamfara, for someone like me I like to always want to explore and try new thing, I have never been to the North before, I based in Lagos but when I saw the call-up letter, I say it’s a new way to start new thing.”
“Whatever it is Zamfara has for me, I am so ready to welcome it with an open arms, I am here to eat their food, embrace everything, you can see the weather is cool, I love it,” said Amah Victoria, a corps member from Lagos.