Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged members of the 2026 Batch C Stream I National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to embrace Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) as a pathway to overcoming unemployment and becoming self-reliant after their service year.
Governor Diri also advised the corps members to remain disciplined, prioritise their safety and make full use of the opportunities provided through the NYSC programme during their one-year national service.
Key Highlights
- Governor Douye Diri urges corps members to embrace Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).
- Diri says skills acquisition can help break barriers of unemployment.
- Governor cautions corps members against partisan politics, cultism and other social vices.
- The 2026 Batch C Stream I corps members are undergoing a three-week orientation course in Bayelsa.
- Diri urges corps members to respect the culture and traditions of their host communities.
- NYSC Bayelsa Coordinator Samuel Amaramiro Pepple encourages active participation in SAED and camp activities.
- Corps members are urged to embrace discipline, patriotism, leadership and peaceful coexistence.
Diri Urges Corps Members to Embrace Skill Acquisition
Governor Diri gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch C Stream I Orientation Course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro Town, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Alfred Kemepade Nimizigha, congratulated the corps members on completing their academic programmes and responding to the call to national service.
Diri described their participation in the NYSC Scheme as a demonstration of patriotism, national unity and commitment to Nigeria’s development.
He encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that could improve their employment and business opportunities after their service year.
SAED Programme Can Help Fight Unemployment
The governor highlighted the importance of vocational skills, science and technology in addressing unemployment and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.
He encouraged the corps members to use the skills acquisition opportunities available through the NYSC programme to develop practical abilities that could help them become economically self-reliant.
Diri’s advice comes amid continued concerns over youth unemployment and the need for young Nigerians to develop skills beyond formal academic qualifications.
The governor urged the corps members to see their service year as an opportunity not only to serve the country but also to acquire additional skills that could support their future careers and businesses.
Diri Warns Against Partisan Politics and Cultism
Governor Diri also cautioned the corps members against partisan politics, cultism and other social vices capable of jeopardising their future.
He urged them to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their service year and contribute positively to the development of their host communities.
The governor further advised them to prioritise their personal safety and comply with the rules and regulations governing the NYSC programme.
Corps Members Urged to Learn Bayelsa Culture
Diri encouraged the corps members to respect the traditions and customs of the communities where they would serve.
He urged them to learn local languages, appreciate indigenous cuisine and gain a deeper understanding of the history and traditions of the Ijaw people.
According to the governor, understanding and respecting the culture of host communities would help promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen relationships between corps members and their communities.
NYSC Coordinator Emphasises SAED and Discipline
Earlier, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Amaramiro Pepple, said the three-week orientation course was designed to introduce corps members to the ideals, objectives and programmes of the National Youth Service Corps.
Pepple encouraged the corps members to participate actively in all camp activities, including lectures, drills, sports, dance and drama.
He placed particular emphasis on the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, urging the corps members to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire practical skills.
He said such skills could enhance their prospects beyond the completion of the national service programme.
Pepple Urges Corps Members to Embrace Patriotism
The NYSC coordinator also urged the corps members to understand and appreciate the values, traditions and culture of the people of Bayelsa State.
He expressed appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government and other stakeholders for their continued support for the NYSC Scheme.
Pepple described young Nigerians as critical stakeholders in the country’s future and encouraged the corps members to demonstrate patriotism, discipline and peaceful coexistence.
He noted that the NYSC programme provides an opportunity for young Nigerians from different backgrounds to interact, build relationships and contribute to national development.
NYSC Corps Members Told to Seize Opportunities
Pepple further reminded the corps members that the orientation course was designed to instil discipline, leadership and teamwork.
He urged them to obey camp regulations, remain punctual and participate actively in the activities scheduled throughout the orientation period.
The NYSC coordinator expressed confidence that the corps members could make meaningful contributions during their service year if they remained focused and committed to the ideals of the Scheme.
He encouraged them to use the period to develop themselves, acquire useful skills and prepare for opportunities beyond national service. For more updates, follow us on X.
