July 15, 2026
The Cross River State Commissioner for Education, Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., on Wednesday received officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on a courtesy visit to his office in Calabar. The delegation was led by the State Coordinator, Mrs. Oyenuga Mojisola Joke. Welcoming the delegation, Professor Odey expressed his delight at receiving the State Coordinator and members of her management team, commending Mrs. Oyenuga for her dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to advancing the objectives of the NYSC Scheme in Cross River State.
Responding to the issues presented by the NYSC State Coordinator, the Commissioner assured the delegation that he would immediately brief the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on their requests for consideration, noting that once approved, they would become government policy aimed at improving the welfare of corps members and further strengthening Cross River State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most hospitable destinations for national service.
Professor Odey reiterated the commitment of the Cross River State Government to supporting programmes and initiatives that promote youth development, educational advancement, and national unity, assuring the NYSC of the Ministry’s continued collaboration. Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Oyenuga Mojisola Joke, appreciated the Commissioner for the warm reception and commended the Ministry of Education for its sustained support to the Scheme. She particularly thanked him for facilitating improved office accommodation for the NYSC State Secretariat and stated that the visit was aimed at strengthening the existing cordial relationship between the NYSC Scheme and the Ministry of Education.
She also invited the Commissioner to visit the NYSC Orientation Camp during the forthcoming orientation exercise scheduled for August, noting that his presence would serve as a great source of motivation to corps members. She described Senator Odey as a father figure whose words of encouragement would inspire corps members to embrace Cross River State
The State Coordinator further praised Cross River State for its peaceful environment and hospitable people, urging corps members to appreciate the state’s rich cultural heritage while contributing meaningfully to national development through the NYSC Scheme. As part of the visit, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Oyenuga Mojisola Joke, presented Senator Professor Stephen Odey, Esq., with a copy of the NYSC Giant Strides publication in recognition of the Scheme’s achievements and ongoing contributions to national development.
The courtesy visit concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration in promoting educational development, youth empowerment, and the continued success of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme in Cross River State.