The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said his administration has empowered more than 36,000 youths across the state with different skills, stressing that young people remain the greatest asset of any society. He said the focus of his government is to ensure that youths are equipped with practical abilities that will help them contribute meaningfully to economic growth, innovation and community development across Anambra.
Soludo said the approach is guided by Anambra Vision 2070, aimed at building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society that prioritises youth development, innovation, entrepreneurship and shared growth.
The governor made the remarks on Friday at the swearing-in and opening ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps orientation programme held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Nnamdi Azikiwe Unity Camp, Mbaukwu/Umuawulu, Awka South Local Government Area. He was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha-Mba.
Addressing the corps members, Soludo urged them not to be passive observers during their service year but to fully immerse themselves in the Anambra experience. He encouraged them to learn, create, collaborate and contribute to the state’s development efforts, saying the service year offers a unique opportunity to gain real-life experience and make lasting impact in host communities.
He said, “Guided by Anambra Vision 2070, we are deliberately building a prosperous, inclusive and smart society where young people are empowered to thrive. Through initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District, Code Anambra, One Youth Two Skills Plus, and targeted agribusiness and entrepreneurship schemes, we continue to open doors for skills acquisition, innovation and wealth creation.”
Soludo said over 36,000 youths have already been empowered with digital skills, while the ongoing One Million Anambra Digital Tribe initiative is designed to equip one million Anambra youths with relevant digital competencies. He added that his administration has also empowered 13,300 youths with skills and grants amounting to N5.5bn for business start-up and expansion under the first and second phases of the One Youth Two Skills Plus programme.
He urged corps members to internalise the values taught during the orientation course, noting that discipline, teamwork and responsibility would determine their effectiveness during the service year and in their future careers. He reassured them of his administration’s commitment to the continuous improvement of camp facilities to ensure a safe, serene and enabling environment for all participants.
The governor also advised the corps members to respect local cultures, promote peace, avoid harmful behaviour and conduct themselves with dignity at all times. He said many former corps members had acquired digital skills, accessed grants, started businesses through youth empowerment programmes and even chosen Anambra as their long-term home.
Soludo said, “You are encouraged to fully participate in these programmes. As you undergo orientation, discipline must remain your watchword. Obey camp rules, respect constituted authority and participate actively in all programmes. Be solution-driven, identify challenges within your host communities and apply your knowledge creatively. True service is measured not by attendance but by impact.”
He commended the NYSC leadership at the national and state levels for their dedication and professionalism, adding that Anambra values its partnership with the scheme. According to him, the collaboration has continued to support grassroots development, public enlightenment, electoral support, health interventions and youth mentoring across the state.
Earlier, the Anambra State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Pauline Ojisua, disclosed that a total of 1,500 prospective corps members successfully registered for the exercise. She said the figure comprised 616 males and 884 females, all of whom were expected to comply with camp rules and participate fully in the orientation activities nationwide efforts.
Ojisua urged the corps members to obey all extant laws, NYSC regulations and security directives, and to conduct themselves as responsible ambassadors of their families, institutions and the nation. She said, “Discipline remains the cornerstone of the scheme. Military drills, physical training and sporting activities will enhance physical fitness, mental alertness and team spirit.”
She added that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development Programme would equip corps members with practical skills for self-reliance beyond the service year. Ojisua said all camp officials, security agencies, medical teams and collaborating partners had been fully mobilised to ensure effective administration, welfare and security throughout the programme.
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