By Isaiah Eka
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom has described members of the National Youth Service Corps as ambassadors of unity and development of the nation.
Eno said that as ambassadors, they were expected to play significant roles in the enlightenment of the people on their civic responsibility and strengthening collective pursuit of a just, progressive and prosperous society.
Eno said this at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch A stream 1 orientation course in Ikot Itie Udung, Nsit Atai Local Government Area of the State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Ekerete Ekanem, he urged them to sustain the values of moral conduct, discipline and cooperation throughout their service year and beyond.
Eno charged the corps members to leverage on their education and skills to champion the ideals of national unity.
He urged them to see their deployment and postings as valuable opportunities to serve with sincerity, dedication and patriotism.
“You may have also realised that one of the major objectives of the scheme is to expose you to the numerous problems facing us as a nation.
“You will, therefore, be expected to play crucial roles in sensitising our people on their obligatory roles in ensuring an egalitarian and prosperous nation,” Eno said.
He urged them to integrate peacefully with host communities, appreciate their host’s cultural values, and contribute positively to their growth.
“Please be assured that Akwa Ibom State is highly hospitable. You only need to integrate yourselves with the people.
“Be respectful to their socio-cultural inclinations and aspirations, even after the service year.
“You may wish to know that your predecessors have left unstinting and remarkable legacies in different aspects of human endeavour in the state.
“It behoves you therefore to maintain and even surpass their enviable records by contributing positively to the development and transformation of your host communities,” he said.
Eno urged the corps members to exhibit the values of discipline, team spirit, resilience, commitment and cooperation, learnt during the orientation course in the discharge of their national service
The governor warned corps members not to travel at night for safety of their lives, stressing that it was risky to embark on travels. (NAN)