Mbah dreams a Nigeria that earns patriotism, makes ‘japa a choice, not an escape’

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has charged Nigerians with collectively building a nation that earns the patriotism of young people, while also making migration a choice, not an escape route.

Mbah spoke in Awgu during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch C Stream of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to Enugu State.

He stressed that Nigeria’s extraordinary youth population could only become a demographic dividend if the nation creates the education, skills, jobs, enterprise and institutions that enable young Nigerians to convert their energy and talent into productivity and prosperity, hence the essence of the NYSC beyond experiencing other parts of Nigeria.

“We often ask young Nigerians to be patriotic. But let us ask ourselves a more difficult question: How do we earn the patriotism of our young people if they feel excluded from their country’s promise?

“Patriotism must be cultivated by creating a country in which young people can see a future for themselves.

“We must provide quality education; create an enabling environment for enterprise; expand opportunities; make our institutions work.

“We must build a country where merit is rewarded, hard work has meaning and dreams do not have to be exported before they can become reality,” he said.

Mbah, however, urged the youth to never forget the demands patriotism makes of them, both in good and difficult times.

“Patriotism also demands something from you. It demands that, even when the country is imperfect, you refuse to give up on its possibilities; that you criticise what is wrong without abandoning what can be made right; that you do not merely ask: ‘What can Nigeria give me?’ “But also ask: ‘What can I give Nigeria?’

“Together, we can build a country where ‘japa’ is a choice, not an escape; where our young people can travel the world without feeling compelled to abandon home.

“If you are called upon to teach, teach as though Nigeria’s future were sitting before you – because it is. And when you encounter the difficulties, do not simply ask: ‘When will Nigeria change?’ Ask the more powerful question: ‘What can I do to change Nigeria?’ That is the question of citizenship,” he emphasised.

He assured them of their welfare, safety and comfort in Enugu State, reminding them that Enugu is a state rich in cosmopolitan history, and where every citizen could attain any height he or she is capable of.

“The Government of Enugu State will continue to work with the NYSC authorities to provide a conducive, secure and supportive environment for your service. We will pay particular attention to your welfare, safety and the conditions under which you discharge your responsibilities across the state.

“But, importantly, note that you are not strangers in Enugu. Our history offers remarkable testimony. When Enugu was elevated to municipal status in 1952, Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man from Sokoto, became its first Mayor.

“It tells us that in Enugu, where you come from need not determine how far you can go; that belonging is not always about birthplace; that citizenship is also about contribution,” he assured them.

Speaking earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Oluwakemi Awolola, on behalf of the Director-General of the agency, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, said a total of 2,101 corps members had been registered under Batch C, and thanked Governor Mbah for improved welfare of Corps members and for making their environment conducive and safe.

“I am pleased to report that a total of 2,101 prospective corps members, comprising 983 males and 1,118 females, have been successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream/Orientation Course in Enugu State. Their level of cooperation, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate in camp activities have been commendable.

“We remain particularly grateful for your administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and general wellbeing of Corps members.

“Of particular significance is the ongoing comprehensive intervention and overhaul of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, as well as improved welfare support and allowances, which you have graciously promised serving corps members,” she stated.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Enugu State, Lloyd Ekweremadu, and the Chairman of Awgu, the host LGA, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, assured the corps members that the state and LGAs would continue to work collaboratively with the NYSC authorities to ensure they have the best service experience in Enugu State.

The new corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena, represented by Justice Anthony Onovo. The event featured a parade by the Batch ‘C’ intakes.

Mbah also used the occasion to tour the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, where he inspected completed and ongoing projects by his administration to make the Camp conducive for the corps members.