Mbah urges Nigeria to make migration a choice rather than an escape

Enugu Governor Peter Mbah has called for a Nigeria that earns the patriotism of its young people and makes migration a choice rather than an escape route. He spoke in Awgu during the swearing-in ceremony for members of the 2026 Batch C Stream of the National Youth Service Corps deployed to Enugu State. Mbah said Nigeria’s large youth population would become an asset only if the country created quality education, skills, jobs, enterprise and effective institutions.

He described those conditions as central to converting young people’s energy and talent into productivity and prosperity. The governor said patriotism could not simply be demanded from young Nigerians. It had to be built through a country where merit was rewarded, hard work had meaning and people could pursue their ambitions without leaving home.

He also urged corps members to contribute to Nigeria even while criticising its shortcomings. He said citizenship involved asking not only what the country could provide, but also what individuals could give in return. Mbah assured the corps members that the state would work with NYSC authorities to provide a safe and supportive environment.

He said the state would pay attention to their welfare and the conditions in which they served. NYSC State Coordinator Oluwakemi Awolola said 2,101 corps members had registered for the orientation course in Enugu, comprising 983 men and 1,118 women. She thanked the governor for support for their welfare, security and allowances.

Awolola also cited an ongoing overhaul of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Awgu. The new corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Enugu State, represented by Justice Anthony Onovo. Mbah inspected completed and ongoing projects at the camp after the ceremony.

State officials and the host local government also promised continued cooperation with NYSC authorities.