Okada: The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced its commitment to enhance free medical outreach to underserved rural communities in Edo as part of its efforts to contribute to the state’s socio-economic development. Mr. Julius Fasina, the state coordinator of NYSC, revealed this during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme, which deploys corps medical personnel such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, and laboratory scientists to remote villages, continues to address healthcare gaps in areas lacking basic medical facilities. Fasina highlighted the scheme’s consistent provision of vital manpower for critical sectors of the state economy.
Fasina emphasized that the programme has successfully brought healthcare services to many rural areas where such amenities were previously unavailable or inaccessible. In addition to healthcare, the NYSC’s Community Development Service and Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes are empowering youths and women across the state. The SAED programme has expanded from 32 to about 38 skill areas across the 18 local government areas of the state, equipping young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
Fasina further announced that 1,853 prospective corps members have been successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course in Edo, comprising 895 males and 958 females. All corps members have been accommodated and briefed on the orientation course’s rules and objectives. He congratulated the new corps members and encouraged them to embrace unity, display willingness to learn, and make the most of their service year opportunities.
He commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support for the scheme, particularly his prompt intervention in fixing the camp auditorium roof and addressing water treatment challenges at the orientation camp. Fasina acknowledged the governor’s commitment to youth development and corps members’ welfare since assuming office.
Declaring the orientation course open, Governor Okpebholo, represented by Commissioner for Youth, Mr. Charity Amayaenvbo, urged the corps members to serve with patriotism, discipline, and a sense of national unity. The governor described Edo as a land of culture, enterprise, and innovation, assuring corps members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through strategic investments in skills development, entrepreneurship, education, security, and job creation.
He encouraged the corps members to build friendships across ethnic and religious lines, learn new skills, contribute meaningfully to their host communities, and be worthy ambassadors of their families and institutions. The governor also assured NYSC management of continued support from the state government in providing an enabling environment for corps members serving in Edo.