Mbah wants a Nigeria where youth choose migration, not escape

Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, has urged Nigerians to work together to build a nation that earns the loyalty of young people. He wants migration to be a choice, not a way to escape.

Mbah spoke in Awgu during the swearing-in ceremony for the 2026 Batch C Stream of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Enugu State.

He said Nigeria’s large youth population can be a blessing if the country provides good education, job opportunities, and the right institutions. This will help young Nigerians turn their energy and talent into success, which is the main goal of the NYSC beyond just visiting different parts of Nigeria.

"We often ask young Nigerians to be patriotic. But let us ask ourselves a more difficult question: How do we earn the patriotism of our young people if they feel excluded from their country’s promise?"

"Patriotism must be cultivated by creating a country in which young people can see a future for themselves."

Mbah added that the country needs to improve education, create a friendly environment for businesses, and offer more opportunities. He believes we should have a system where hard work is rewarded, and dreams can come true without having to leave Nigeria.

He reminded the youth to remember the responsibilities that come with patriotism, especially in tough times.

"Patriotism also demands something from you. It demands that, even when the country is imperfect, you refuse to give up on its possibilities; that you criticize what is wrong without abandoning what can be made right; that you do not merely ask: ‘What can Nigeria give me?’ But also ask: ‘What can I give Nigeria?’"

"Together, we can build a country where ‘japa’ is a choice, not an escape; where our young people can travel the world without feeling compelled to abandon home."

Mbah encouraged the corps members: "If you are called upon to teach, teach as though Nigeria’s future were sitting before you, because it is. And when you encounter the difficulties, do not simply ask: ‘When will Nigeria change?’ Ask the more powerful question: ‘What can I do to change Nigeria?’ That is the question of citizenship."

He assured them of their welfare and safety in Enugu State. He reminded them that Enugu has a rich history where anyone can achieve their dreams.

"The Government of Enugu State will continue to work with the NYSC authorities to provide a conducive, secure and supportive environment for your service. We will pay particular attention to your welfare, safety and the conditions under which you discharge your responsibilities across the state."

"But, importantly, note that you are not strangers in Enugu. Our history offers remarkable testimony. When Enugu was elevated to municipal status in 1952, Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man from Sokoto, became its first Mayor."

This shows that in Enugu, where you come from does not decide how far you can go; belonging is not just about where you were born; it is also about what you contribute.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Oluwakemi Awolola, spoke on behalf of the Director-General of the agency, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu. She said 2,101 corps members have been registered for Batch C and thanked Governor Mbah for supporting the corps members and making their environment safe.

"I am pleased to report that a total of 2,101 prospective corps members, comprising 983 males and 1,118 females, have been successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream/Orientation Course in Enugu State. Their level of cooperation, enthusiasm, and willingness to participate in camp activities have been commendable."

She added, "We remain particularly grateful for your administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare, security, and general wellbeing of Corps members."

"Of particular significance is the ongoing comprehensive intervention and overhaul of facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, as well as improved welfare support and allowances, which you have graciously promised serving corps members," she stated.

The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Enugu State, Lloyd Ekweremadu, and the Chairman of Awgu, Hon. Uchenna Okolo, promised the corps members that the state and local governments will work with the NYSC to ensure they have a good experience in Enugu State.

The new corps members were sworn in by the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice Afojulu Ozoemena, who was represented by Justice Anthony Onovo. The event included a parade by the Batch ‘C’ new members.

Mbah also toured the NYSC Orientation Camp, Awgu, where he checked on completed and ongoing projects his administration is working on to improve the camp for the corps members.