The Kwara State Government has approved the relocation of the National Youth Service Corps orientation camp from its permanent site in Yikpata, Edu Local Government Area, to the Kwara State Polytechnic in Ilorin. The decision, affecting the 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream II, was taken due to significant security concerns in the northern part of the state.
In a related development, all seven local government chairmen in the Kwara South senatorial district have ordered the immediate closure of all cattle markets in the region until further notice. This drastic action is a response to the worsening insecurity affecting the area.
The state Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Onifade Olaoluwa Joshua, explained the relocation to journalists in Ilorin. He stated the move was necessary following security concerns raised by what he described as “perpetrators and enemies of progress.” Joshua assured prospective corps members and their parents of adequate security and a smooth three-week exercise, noting that armed soldiers and other security personnel would be deployed to safeguard participants.
He expressed appreciation to both the federal and state governments for their intervention and support. “For the purpose of assessing the level of preparedness, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General O.O. Nafiu has directed Mrs. Abiodun Oluwaremilekun, Director, South West Area Office I, Osun State, to inspect and evaluate the temporary venue,” Joshua added. Corps members are expected in the camp from Wednesday, September 24 to Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
However, these security measures have been met with strong criticism. A non-political civil society group, the Kwara Advancement Initiatives (KAI), condemned the actions. In a statement signed by its Head of Democratic Mobilisation and Monitoring Desk, Hajia Adeola Basiru, the group called the relocation a “national disgrace” and a clear admission that Kwara is no longer safe.
The statement read, “These two disturbing developments strike at the very heart of our state’s security, economy, and future. They represent a loud testimony to the gross alleged failure of leadership under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, who has abandoned his constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.”
It further argued, “The relocation of the NYSC camp is not a mere administrative adjustment; it is a national disgrace. It is a clear admission that Kwara is no longer safe for our youth corps members… To now see Kwara retreat from hosting corps members at its permanent camp is a shameful indictment on the Abdulrazaq government.”
Regarding the market closures, the group stated, “Equally, the closure of Kara markets across Kwara South is devastating for local economies. These markets are lifelines for farmers, traders, transporters, and families. By shutting them down, livelihoods are being destroyed.”
In contrast, the seven local government council chairmen defended their collective decision in a joint statement. They stated the closure was “a painful but necessary decision” arrived at after extensive stakeholder engagement.
Their statement read, “We the council local government chairmen, under the aegis of the Forum of Seven Local Government Chairmen in Kwara South Senatorial District, have ordered the immediate closure of all Kara (cattle) markets within the district… This measure is a proactive step, aimed at addressing emerging security concerns and ensuring the safety of residents, traders, and commuters.”
They acknowledged the economic impact but stated they had chosen to “prioritise the safety of lives and property.” The chairmen reassured residents that they, along with the state government and security agencies, were “doing everything within their powers to restore a lasting peace to the land.”
All other produce markets in Kwara South have been directed to close by 6:00 pm on market days as part of the enhanced security protocol.
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