The Brigade Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, Brigadier General Justin Ifeanyi, has assured the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ondo State of an immediate on-the-spot assessment visit to its Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko.
General Ifeanyi made this commitment while receiving the NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, who paid a courtesy visit to congratulate him on his recent appointment.
Having previously served as a Camp Commandant under a past NYSC administration, the Brigade Commander emphasized the importance of firsthand evaluation of the camp’s infrastructure. He stated that this assessment would guide his professional recommendations and support in line with his duty as a senior officer of the Nigerian Army.
Expressing gratitude for the visit, General Ifeanyi described the longstanding relationship between the Nigerian Army and the NYSC as inseparable, tracing it back to the Scheme’s establishment nearly 52 years ago. He assured Mrs. Bakare that he would do everything within his capacity to ensure the NYSC in Ondo State receives adequate attention and support from the Brigade.
“We cannot overemphasize the significance of security in this country. As officers sworn to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria, we will take all necessary steps to ensure your administration remains productive and impactful,” he assured.
The Brigade Commander also reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies in Ondo State to maintaining peace and stability. He stressed that criminals would find no refuge in any part of the state, adding that corps members would be adequately protected throughout their service year.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, appealed to the Brigade Commander to leverage his expertise in tackling security concerns at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko. She highlighted the pressing need for infrastructural upgrades, particularly the camp’s low perimeter fence, which has remained a security concern for successive NYSC administrations.
“Sir, we experienced a surge in corps members during the last orientation due to the dislodgement of Lagos corps members to Ondo State, and this may continue. We need your support to escalate our request for improved camp infrastructure,” she stated.
Mrs. Bakare also raised concerns about the over-socialization of some soldiers deployed to the camp, noting that such behavior undermines the discipline expected during orientation exercises. She further requested additional logistics support, including security gadgets and the deployment of experienced soldiers familiar with NYSC operational requirements.
In response, General Ifeanyi reassured the NYSC team that the Nigerian Army upholds strict discipline and would not tolerate any form of misconduct from its personnel. He pledged to address the issue promptly and also advocate for improved camp security at the government level.
