The National Youth Service Corps has shifted its Kwara orientation camp from Yikpata in Edu Local Government Area to the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin, following growing insecurity in the northern part of the state.
The State Coordinator, Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, confirmed the development in Ilorin on Thursday, explaining that the approval came from the Kwara State Government after concerns were raised about the safety of corps members.
“We are fully prepared to host the orientation course, and the welfare of participants will be safeguarded. Soldiers and other security personnel will be deployed to guarantee the safety of corps members during the three-week exercise,” he said.
According to him, corps members are expected to report for the programme between September 24 and October 14. He also disclosed that a team from the NYSC headquarters will inspect the new venue ahead of the exercise.
The decision comes after repeated bandit attacks in Edu and Patigi local councils, which have left dozens of residents dead, kidnapped, or displaced in recent months.
In August, security was tightened at the Yikpata camp after soldiers ordered corps members to stay indoors when suspicious movements were noticed around the facility, a situation that increased fear among participants and their parents.
Onifade thanked both the federal and state governments for their intervention, urging parents to remain calm.
“The scheme is working to deliver a safe and successful orientation programme,” he assured.
