Gov. Radda orders assessment, renovation of NYSC camp facilities
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has directed the assessment and comprehensive renovation of facilities at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in the state.
Mr Radda gave the directive on Friday while declaring open the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream One orientation course for corps members deployed to Katsina.
The governor, who was ably represented by his Special Adviser on Youth Matters, Ahmed Nasir-Malumfashi, said during his speech that the governor has directed the Ministry of Youth and Sport Development to work with the Ministry of Works to assess the structural condition of the camp.
He said the assessment would provide the basis for the renovation and remodelling of the facilities, directing the ministries to capture the project in the 2027 budget.
Mr Radda congratulated the corps members on completing their academic programmes and qualifying for the national service.
He welcomed them to Katsina, which he described as the “home of hospitality and heritage”, and assured them of a conducive environment throughout their service year in the State.
Also in attendance were the representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the NSCDC, and the Nigeria Police Force. The former National Youth Service Commission Director General, Brigadier General Maharazau Tsiga, and the oath of allegiance was led by the Honorable Chief Justice of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi Abubakar.
The governor urged the corps members to take the orientation exercise seriously, saying it was designed to prepare them physically, emotionally and psychologically for the demands of national service.
He said the programme would expose them to issues relating to good governance, national security, economic development, geography, cultures and traditions of Nigeria.
Mr Radda urged the corps members to participate actively in camp activities and apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the orientation exercise.
He commended NYSC members for their contributions to the state’s development through Community Development Service (CDS) projects and manpower support in education and healthcare.
The governor described the NYSC scheme as an important platform for promoting social cohesion, national unity and integration among Nigerian youths.
He urged the corps members to support the development of their host communities through teaching, healthcare services, social mobilisation and sensitisation on government policies.
Mr Radda also advised them to shun cultism, political and religious intolerance and other antisocial behaviours.
He urged them to uphold the NYSC motto of “Service and Humility” and use the service year to make positive contributions to their host communities.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator, Okwo Evans, said during his introductory speech that about 1, 200 corps members had been registered for the three-week orientation programme so far, which commenced on Sept. 30 and would end on Oct. 20.
Evans thanked the state government for its interventions to improve the welfare and operations of the scheme.
He said the government had provided 150 mattresses, a deep freezer and other equipment for the camp’s kitchen and food storage facilities.
The coordinator added that the NYSC administrative block and three boreholes had solar systems installed with the intervention of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy.
According to him, this had improved water supply and reduced the camp’s dependence on conventional electricity.
Evans appealed to the state government to establish a permanent NYSC secretariat, noting that the federal secretariat currently being used by the scheme was dilapidated.
He said several agencies occupying the facility were also relocating to their own offices.
