Jigawa NYSC coordinator warns corps members against cultism

The Jigawa State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Muhammad Baba, has warned corps members against indulging in cultism and other anti-social acts capable of disrupting peace at the orientation camp.

Baba gave the warning while speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 corps members held on Friday at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Fanisau, Dutse, the state capital.

Earlier, 2,000 corps members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream 1 deployed to Jigawa State were administered the oath of allegiance by Justice Amina Dahiru, who represented the Jigawa State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Speaking at the event, the Jigawa NYSC coordinator, Baba, welcomed the corps members on behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. O.O. Nafiu, to the scheme.

He said the occasion signalled a new frontier in collective efforts towards strengthening national unity and consolidating the ties that bind Nigerians together.

Baba said the NYSC was established in 1973 to inculcate in youths the spirit of selfless service, community service and brotherhood, irrespective of culture or social background.

He added that the scheme had continued to pursue its objectives of promoting unity and integration, with core values of patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.

According to him, promoting those values was aimed at ensuring that society was free from crime and social ills, including the high rate of unemployment among youths.

The coordinator charged the corps members to be of good behaviour during the orientation course and throughout the service year and to be good ambassadors of the scheme.

He said, “There shall be zero tolerance to voice or act capable of causing distraction and disruptions of a peaceful camp life and activities. Cultism and anti-social behaviour shall be immediately and vigorously sanctioned.”

Baba noted that camp officials were fair, firm and just, with a wealth of experience as youth administrators, adding that they were friendly and always on ground to guide and mentor corps members.

He urged the corps members to accord them a high level of respect to promote mutual understanding and ensure the smooth running of the orientation course.

The coordinator also appreciated Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa State for their unalloyed support for the scheme in the state.

He thanked the Emir of Dutse, Hameem Nuhu, for being a good host and for his presence, which he described as a booster to staff and corps members.

In an interview shortly after the swearing-in, a corps member, Grace Emmanuel, from Kaduna State, said she was excited to serve in Jigawa and promised to obey the camp rules.

“I am happy to be here. I will be of good behaviour and avoid anything that will tarnish the image of NYSC. The coordinator’s warning is clear,” she said.

Similarly, another corps member, Zahra’u Inuwa, from Nasarawa State, said the orientation had already taught her discipline and unity.

Inuwa said, “I will take the training seriously and respect camp officials. I want to use my service year to develop myself and contribute to Jigawa State.”

Our correspondent reports that the ceremony was witnessed by representatives of the heads of all security agencies in the state, top government officials and other relevant stakeholders, including parents and guardians of some of the corps members.