The Kwara State Government has approved the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp from its permanent site in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, the state capital.
LEADERSHIP reports that Edu Local Government Area, where Yikpata is located, has in recent times recorded attacks by non-state actors.
NYSC Coordinator in the state, Mr. Joshua Onifade, said the decision to move the camp followed security threats raised by what he described as “perpetrators and enemies of progress.”
“This decision becomes necessary due to some recent security concerns around the permanent orientation camp, Yikpata, in the Edu local government area of Kwara state,” he said.
Onifade assured both prospective corps members and their parents of adequate security and smooth conduct of the three-week orientation in Ilorin.
He explained that soldiers and other security operatives would be deployed to protect the lives and welfare of corps members posted to the state.
The Coordinator expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments for their intervention and support, adding that NYSC was fully prepared to host the orientation exercise.
He disclosed that preparations by heads of various assignments had commenced ahead of the arrival of corps members, expected in camp from Wednesday, September 24, to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
About 1,800 corps members are expected to take part in the 21-day orientation programme.
“The NYSC management wishes to appreciate the unrelenting efforts of the state government and the various security operatives in resolving the insecurity challenges in some parts of Kwara state.
“However, the decision to temporarily relocate the camp, is to substantially allay the fears of our prospective corps members, some of who are visiting the state for the first time.
“The NYSC state coordinator commends Governor (AbdulRahman) AbdulRazaq-led government for this proactive decision and for always ensuring that issues of corps members’ welfare remains its utmost priority.”
He added that the Director General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. O. O. Nafiu, had directed the Director, South West Area Office I, Osun State, to inspect and assess the temporary venue to ensure preparedness.
“The NYSC management wishes all our prospective corps members a hitch-free journey to their various camps, advise them strongly not to travel at night and also board vehicles only at the designated motor parks,” Onifade added.
