The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, pledging continued support to ensure a safe, enabling, and youth-friendly environment for corps members serving in the state.

On Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Alfred Kemepado Nimizigha, alongside the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ebi Ben Ololo, received the management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for a courtesy visit and familiarisation. The meeting marked the formal introduction of the 14th State Coordinator of the NYSC in Bayelsa State, Mr Samuel Amaramiro Pepple,  at the Commissioner’s office.

Receiving the delegation, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth Development formally welcomed the new State Coordinator and assured him of the state’s full support toward a successful tenure and the overall effectiveness of the scheme. He reaffirmed that although the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a federal programme, the Bayelsa State Government remains deliberate and consistent in playing its supportive role.

He further emphasised that corps members are highly valued, noting that their safety and welfare remain a top priority, a shared responsibility that the government takes seriously. The Honourable Commissioner stressed the importance of creating a safe and conducive environment, highlighting that beyond their service year, corps members leave as ambassadors of the state, helping to correct perceptions and counter longstanding misconceptions about the Niger Delta region.

The Executive Assistant on NYSC, Mr. Wisdom Poyeri, noted  that the visit followed the formal handover from the outgoing State Coordinator, who recently completed her statutory tenure. He expressed confidence that the familiarization process will further strengthen collaboration and ensure continuity, efficiency, and improved operations of the NYSC Scheme in the state.

In his remarks, the new NYSC State Coordinator, Mr. Samuel Pepple, expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded him, as well as the level of support, coordination, and openness already extended to the scheme. He described Bayelsa State as exceptionally youth-friendly and noted that, from his initial interactions and observations, it was evident that the Ministry of Youth Development operates under leadership that is deeply passionate about youth affairs and national development.

Mr Pepple commended the Bayelsa State Government for providing a structured and enabling environment that allows the NYSC scheme to function efficiently. According to him, Bayelsa State stands out positively based on his experience across different parts of the country, describing the state as one where collaboration between the government and the scheme is clearly institutionalised. He added that the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth inclusion and national integration.

While acknowledging the progress made so far, the State Coordinator emphasised the need to explore new frontiers and opportunities that would further strengthen the impact of the NYSC in Bayelsa State, ensuring that the results of today’s efforts remain visible and sustainable long after individual tenures have elapsed.

The visit concluded on a note of mutual commitment to deepen cooperation, strengthen institutional bonds, and advance youth development, national unity, and sustainable growth in the state.