Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its growing contribution to grassroots healthcare, describing its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) as a critical intervention transforming community health outcomes across Nigeria.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch A Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Nonwa-Gbam, Tai Local Government Area, the governor said the scheme continues to positively impact ordinary Nigerians, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Dagogo Wokoma, Fubara expressed satisfaction with the increasing number of corps members deployed to the state. He attributed the trend to growing public confidence in the administration’s commitment to peace, progress and good governance.
He assured the corps members of sustained government support, noting that his administration remains committed to policies that uplift young graduates and prepare them for leadership roles.
Fubara urged the new entrants to maximise the opportunities provided during the orientation course and contribute meaningfully to national development.
In his welcome address, the NYSC State Coordinator, Moses Oleghe, described the corps members as motivated and ready to leave lasting impressions in their service year. He noted that the NYSC management has consistently prioritised programmes that equip participants with practical, life-enhancing skills necessary for self-reliance.
Oleghe also commended the state government for its continued support of the scheme but appealed for urgent intervention in addressing accommodation challenges at the camp. He specifically called for the construction of a 1,000-bed hostel facility to cater to the growing population of corps members posted to the state.
A total of 3,665 corps members—comprising 1,328 males and 2,337 females—were administered the oath of allegiance by Florence Fiberesima, who represented the Chief Judge of Rivers State.
The ceremony marked the formal commencement of the orientation exercise for the new batch, setting the tone for their service year in Rivers State.