Benue Governor Assures Corps Members Of Security And Welcomes Them As ‘Home Away From Home’

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the safety of all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state. Addressing the 2025 Batch A Stream II corps members, he encouraged them to regard Benue as their “home away from home.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Development and Creativity, Dr. Phillip Nongu, the governor gave the assurance at the swearing-in ceremony of 1,303 corps members held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Wannune, Tarka Local Government Area.

“It is understandable that finding yourselves in a strange land would create all sorts of doubt and fear, but I assure you that being in Benue State is just a home away from home,” he said.

He acknowledged the security issues confronting the country, noting that Benue State had also been affected. “Sadly, our nation is currently bedevilled by security challenges, and Benue State has not been left out. Therefore, let me quickly allay your fears and assure you that as a government, we are poised to ensure your security throughout your stay in the state,” he said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, our administration, in conjunction with all security agencies, has put in place proactive measures to ensure the safety of all locations and residential areas of corps members in the state.”

Governor Alia also urged the corps members to embrace all activities in camp and take their primary assignments seriously. He described these phases as crucial opportunities that could “open doors to great fortune.”

Earlier, the State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Veronica Garba, expressed appreciation to the governor for his continuous support. She encouraged the corps members to engage actively with the four core NYSC programmes, which include orientation courses, physical training, intellectual and motivational lectures, sporting activities, and Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED).

The Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, represented by Justice J.N. Adagba, administered the oath of allegiance to the corps members.