Diri Warns Corps Members Against Political Manipulation, Says Future Worth More Than Temporary Gains
By Jonah Fubara, YENAGOA –Â Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has warned members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) against allowing politicians to use them to undermine the democratic will of the people, declaring that no temporary gain is worth sacrificing their future.
Diri gave the warning on Friday, November 6, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch C Stream II corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Boro Town, Bayelsa State.
Represented by his Executive Assistant on NYSC Matters, Hon. Dr. Wisdom Poyeri, the governor urged the corps members to uphold integrity, patriotism and responsible citizenship, particularly as the country approaches another election season.
He cautioned them against compromising their personal values and future for political inducements, stressing the need to remain independent, disciplined and committed to protecting the people’s mandate.
The governor described the NYSC scheme as a critical instrument of national unity and integration, bringing together young Nigerians from different ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds to contribute to national development.
He said the orientation programme was designed to equip corps members with the necessary skills, discipline and experience to navigate life beyond the camp, while preparing them for the responsibilities of national service.
Diri urged the corps members to participate actively in camp activities, respect constituted authorities and use their service year to make meaningful contributions to their host communities.
He also encouraged them to embrace Bayelsa as their home and leave positive footprints in their places of primary assignment, noting that their contributions would add value to the development of the state.
Earlier, the NYSC Bayelsa State Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Amaramiro Pepple, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programmes and mobilisation for national service.
Pepple explained that the orientation course was structured to prepare the participants mentally and physically for the demands of the service year and challenges of life after the scheme.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his continued support for the NYSC programme in Bayelsa and disclosed that the orientation camp was also accommodating corps members deployed to Rivers State for their orientation exercise.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Justice I. Eradiri, formally inducting the corps members into the national service scheme.
The event also featured a demonstration of the Centipede Walk by the Man O’ War, alongside the participation of representatives of security and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, camp officials and other dignitaries.
