Corps Members Stranded As Windstorm Wrecks NYSC Camp In Gombe State
Several National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have been left stranded after a violent windstorm swept through the orientation camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, destroying essential facilities and leaving them vulnerable to harsh weather conditions.
The disaster, which occurred on Tuesday, ripped off the roof of the camp’s multipurpose pavilion and wrecked several hostels, leaving many rooms leaking and others completely exposed.
The Gombe State Coordinator of the NYSC, Chinwe Nwachuku, broke the news during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members on Friday, appealing to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya for urgent intervention.
“But as we are gathered here today, it is with tears in my eyes that I want to bring to the attention of His Excellency, a very pressing concern that affects the welfare and safety of not just these vibrant young men and women, but the entire camp community,” Nwachuku lamented.
She described the pavilion as “a vital hub for our activities” and confirmed that it had been “severely blown off.” According to her, “Some rooms are not just leaking but are open.”
With rainfall imminent, Nwachuku expressed deep concern for the safety of corps members, saying, “It will be wicked of the camp community to pray against rain during this planting season, but my children are always wondering what their fate will be in case of rainfall.”
In her direct appeal to the state government, Nwachuku said: “Your support will not only provide a safe and conducive environment but also inspire and motivate these young individuals to serve our state with renewed vigour.”
Despite the dire situation, she thanked Governor Yahaya for his past support and also appreciated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Halima Mohammed, represented by Justice Zainab Abdulkadir, who administered the oath to 1,629 newly sworn-in corps members, 893 male and 736 female.
Addressing the corps members, Nwachuku urged them to serve with discipline and respect for local customs.
Meanwhile, Governor Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, reassured the corps members that their wellbeing would remain a top priority.
He also advised them to integrate respectfully with their host communities.
“Your own tradition, culture, and norms are not general beliefs; adapt to the culture of your environment. It’s our expectation that your batch will excel, be guided by the norms of NYSC,” Jatau said.
