Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has called for a Nigeria that earns the patriotism of its young people.
He also wants migration to become a choice rather than an escape from difficult conditions. Mbah spoke during the swearing-in of 2,101 NYSC members deployed to Enugu State.
The ceremony took place at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Awgu Local Government Area. The new corps members belong to the 2026 Batch C Stream.
Mbah said Nigeria’s large youth population could become a major economic advantage. However, he said this requires quality education, useful skills, jobs and strong institutions.
He also linked the issue to the wider purpose of the NYSC programme. According to him, the scheme should promote national integration and help young Nigerians understand different parts of the country.
The governor’s remarks come amid continued discussions about youth migration and opportunities in Nigeria. The issue has also featured in other recent conversations about employment and development.
For related coverage, see FG Jobs Accessible Without Connections, FCC Commissioner Tells Enugu Youths.
Mbah Says Nigeria Must Earn Youth Patriotism
Mbah said Nigerians should reconsider how they ask young people to show patriotism. He argued that patriotism becomes difficult when young citizens feel excluded from the country’s opportunities.
“We often ask young Nigerians to be patriotic,” Mbah said. He then questioned how Nigeria could earn that patriotism if young people felt excluded from its promise.
The governor said the country must create conditions where young Nigerians can see a future at home. He listed quality education, enterprise opportunities, jobs and effective institutions among the priorities.
Mbah also said merit should receive recognition in the country. He added that hard work should have meaning and young people should not feel forced to seek opportunities abroad.
His comments place employment and economic opportunity at the centre of the migration debate. They also connect the issue to broader questions about how Nigeria creates opportunities for its youthful population.
Enugu has also promoted several development initiatives under Mbah’s administration. Read Peter Mbah Unveils 10,000+ Achievements, Targets $30bn Enugu Economy for related coverage.
Governor Urges Youths to Contribute to Nigeria
While calling for better conditions, Mbah also challenged young Nigerians to contribute to national development. He said patriotism should remain important even when the country faces difficulties.
The governor urged young people to criticise problems without abandoning the possibility of fixing them. He also asked them to consider what they can contribute to Nigeria.
Mbah used the NYSC programme to illustrate this responsibility. He urged corps members to approach their service as participants in a national project.
He encouraged them to make their service meaningful wherever they are posted. He also asked them to view their roles as opportunities to contribute to communities.
The NYSC programme is designed to promote national integration among young Nigerians. The orientation process also exposes corps members to different communities and cultures.
For another report involving youth participation and national issues, see Adebayo Urges Nigerian Youths to Take Politics Beyond Social Media.
Mbah Links ‘Japa’ to Opportunities at Home
Mbah said Nigeria should become a country where young people can travel without feeling compelled to leave permanently. He described the desired situation as one where “japa” becomes a choice rather than an escape.
The governor said the country must provide opportunities that allow young people to build successful lives. He identified education, skills, enterprise and functional institutions as important parts of that process.
He also encouraged corps members to take responsibility for their roles. According to him, citizenship involves asking what individuals can do to improve the country.
Mbah further urged corps members to take their assignments seriously. He said those who teach, for example, should understand the long-term impact of their work.
His remarks reflect a broader debate about youth migration, employment and national development. Recent reports also show continued attention to economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
2,101 Corps Members Sworn In
The NYSC State Coordinator, Oluwakemi Awolola, said 2,101 corps members had been registered for the 2026 Batch C Stream in Enugu.
The figure includes 983 males and 1,118 females. Awolola said the corps members had shown cooperation and enthusiasm during camp activities.
She commended the Enugu State Government for supporting the welfare and security of corps members. She also highlighted ongoing work at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu.
According to Awolola, the state government’s interventions have helped improve conditions at the camp. She also mentioned improved welfare support and allowances for serving corps members.
The NYSC coordinator said orientation activities would help build patriotism, discipline and self-reliance. She added that corps members would gain knowledge and skills for national development.
For another Enugu development story, read NACCIMA Hails Mbah on Security, Backs Enugu’s $30bn Economic Ambition.
Enugu Promises Corps Members Better Welfare
Mbah also assured the corps members of the state government’s support. He said Enugu would continue working with NYSC authorities to provide a secure and supportive environment.
The governor urged the corps members to understand the communities where they would serve. He encouraged them to learn about local cultures and build relationships with their host communities.
Mbah also referenced Enugu’s history as a cosmopolitan city. He recalled that Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man from Sokoto, became Enugu’s first mayor after the city gained municipal status in 1952.
He used the example to make a point about belonging and contribution. According to him, a person’s place of origin should not determine how far they can progress.
The governor said citizenship should also be measured through contribution. He therefore urged the corps members to see their service year as an opportunity to contribute to Enugu.
Related coverage is available in Guild of Editors Tours Peter Mbah Projects, Praises Enugu Infrastructure.
New Allowance for Enugu Corps Members
Mbah also announced plans to begin paying a new allowance to corps members serving in Enugu. The governor said the payment would begin in October.
However, he did not disclose the amount each corps member would receive. The announcement was made during the same swearing-in ceremony at the Awgu orientation camp.
The announcement adds to the welfare measures highlighted by the NYSC state coordinator. Awolola had specifically thanked the state government for its support.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to the safety of corps members. He said their welfare would remain an important part of the state’s engagement with NYSC.
For another story on employment and opportunities in Enugu, see SEDC to Launch 50,000-Hectare Agro-Mechanisation Project in Enugu.
Officials Urge Corps Members to Respect Host Communities
Enugu State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremadu, also addressed the corps members.
He urged them to avoid discrimination and respect the traditions of their host communities. He said their service year should provide an opportunity to understand Nigeria better.
Awgu Local Government Chairman Uchenna Okolo also assured the corps members of support. He said the local government would work with the state and NYSC authorities.
The officials said collaboration would help create a positive service experience. They also encouraged the corps members to take their orientation programme seriously.
The emphasis on community engagement reflects one of the wider goals of the NYSC programme. Corps members are deployed across different communities during their service year.
For another report on community development in Enugu, read CSDA Takes Community Sensitisation, PRA Exercise to Six Enugu Communities.
Chief Judge Swears In New Corps Members
The Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena, administered the oath of allegiance to the corps members.
Justice Anthony Onovo represented the Chief Judge at the ceremony. The event also featured a parade by the newly inducted Batch C corps members.
The corps members will now continue with the next stages of their national service. Their deployment will take them to different communities and places of primary assignment across Enugu State.
Mbah later toured the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu. He inspected completed and ongoing projects carried out to improve the camp’s facilities.
The inspection formed part of the governor’s engagement with the NYSC programme. It also followed his assurance that the state would continue supporting corps members during their service.
For more on Enugu infrastructure, see Enugu Government Intensifies Efforts to Sustain Development Gains.
Mbah Calls for a Nigeria Young People Can Build
Mbah’s message at the ceremony centred on the relationship between patriotism and opportunity. He argued that Nigeria must create conditions that allow young people to pursue their ambitions at home.
At the same time, he urged young Nigerians to accept their responsibilities as citizens. He said national development requires both effective institutions and individual contributions.
The governor connected those responsibilities to the purpose of NYSC. He said corps members should use their service year to contribute to communities and understand other parts of Nigeria.
The 2,101 corps members will therefore begin their service year with a message focused on citizenship. They have also received assurances about welfare, security and support from the Enugu State Government.
For related reporting on Enugu’s development plans, read Mbah, SEDC Launch South East Agro-Development Programme in Enugu.
Peter Mbah NYSC Message to Young Nigerians
Peter Mbah used the NYSC swearing-in ceremony to call for better opportunities for Nigeria’s youth. He said those opportunities could help make migration a personal choice rather than an escape from hardship.
He also challenged young Nigerians to contribute to national development. Meanwhile, NYSC officials highlighted discipline, patriotism, skills and national integration.
A total of 2,101 corps members have been sworn in for the 2026 Batch C Stream in Enugu. The group comprises 983 males and 1,118 females.
Mbah also announced a new allowance for serving corps members from October. He did not disclose the amount of the allowance.
The ceremony ended with the corps members’ parade and the governor’s inspection of the Awgu orientation camp. The new corps members will now continue their one-year national service across Enugu State.
For more youth-focused reporting, see Rep. Chimaobi Atu Empowers Enugu Media Practitioners With Digital Tools.
