Some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to Borno for the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I orientation course say they have overcome their initial fears and embraced the experience.
The corps members, who spoke in separate interviews with the news reporters on Saturday in Maiduguri, said their concerns were largely influenced by perceptions about insecurity in the state.
Edward Obong, a corps member from Cross River, said he initially became apprehensive after learning that he had been posted to Borno.
“Some of my friends were teasing me that I was going to face insurgency and insecurity, but when I came here, it is not what I expected.
“The people are good and lovely. I have met many new friends and we are being encouraged in the camp,” he said.
Another corps member, Precious Steven from Nasarawa, said she was initially skeptical because she had never visited the North-east and did not know anybody in Borno.
Steven said her mother encouraged her not to panic, assuring her that she would be fine, while the family continued to pray for her.
She said the encouragement she received from people she met on her way to the camp also boosted her confidence.
According to her, she became tense upon arriving at the camp, particularly because she wondered how she would cope with the unfamiliar environment and activities.
She, however, said fellow corps members supported and encouraged her to participate in various camp activities.
Steven described the orientation experience as normal and said she was grateful to God for overcoming her initial fears.
Similarly, Abdulkakeem Lawal, a corps member from Kogi, said he was initially worried because he did not know anybody in Borno.
Lawal said his experience had so far been positive, although he identified mosquitoes as one of the challenges in the camp.
He said he was gradually settling in, adding that the experience had changed his initial perception of the state.