Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has a message for the 1,471 fresh corps members just deployed to the state: don't let anyone turn you into a weapon for violence or division.

Eno gave the charge on Monday at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch B Stream 1 corps members. He was represented by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr. Ekerete Ekanem.

"Don't allow yourselves to be used by individuals or groups who promote division, violence, and disaffection," Eno said. "Rather, align yourselves with patriotic and visionary Nigerians who are committed to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous nation."

The governor called the corps members "critical stakeholders in the Nigerian project." He urged them to work toward bridging ethnic gaps and fostering understanding among the different nationalities in the state.

Eno also assured them of his administration's commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the orientation period.

"Be assured that your lives and property, as well as those of every citizen and resident, will be protected against any form of threat, harassment, or abuse," he said.

Skills over certificates

With formal jobs hard to come by, Eno told the corps members to use the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to learn a trade.

"In a world where formal employment opportunities are increasingly limited, you must position yourselves to become job creators rather than job seekers," he said. "Let this opportunity ignite in you a spirit of enterprise, creativity, and innovation."

The SAED programme is a NYSC initiative designed to equip corps members with vocational skills during their service year.

Camp conditions and oath

State NYSC Coordinator Mrs. Akuagbaogu Rosemary used the occasion to remind the governor of his earlier pledge to upgrade the orientation camp. She noted that the rains have worsened facilities in the camp.

The Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian Obot, was represented by Justice Ekpo Ntekim, who administered the oath of allegiance on the new corps members.

A familiar warning

Eno's advice isn't new. Nigerian leaders often use NYSC swearing-in ceremonies to warn corps members against being used for political violence, especially in a state like Akwa Ibom where election-related clashes have occurred in the past. The NYSC scheme, established in 1973, deploys young graduates across the country for a one-year national service. The current batch, 2026 Batch B Stream 1, will spend three weeks in orientation camp before being posted to their primary places of assignment.