The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kebbi has penalised 12 corps members by extending their service period due to various service-related infractions, an official disclosed.

The organisation also said six corps members absconded from service, comprising five males and one female.

Mr Bala Dabo-Kagarko, the NYSC State Director in Kebbi, made the disclosure at the passing out ceremony of 478 corps members of 2025 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, held in Birniin Kebbi on Thursday

Addressing the corps members in a low-key ceremony, the coordinator congratulated them for successfully completing their one-year mandatory national service.

Dabo-Kagarko commended the graduating corps members for resilience, tolerance and dedication, while praising their exemplary conduct throughout the service year.

He described passing out as a major milestone that marks the end of one phase and the start of another.

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The coordinator applauded their contributions to Kebbi’s development, assuring that their impact was felt in education, healthcare, agriculture, and community service.

Dabo-Kagarko urged them to embrace entrepreneurship and self-reliance, “as the job market can no longer absorb all graduates.”

He commended the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Department (SAED) programme for equipping corps members, saying the training helped them become employers of labour and wealth creators.

The coordinator also urged them to promote national unity, avoid night journeys and prioritise safety at all times.

Corps member Grace Opeyemi Oluwa, KB/25B/0209, was honoured with the State Coordinator’s Commendation Letter for outstanding service.

The ceremony was monitored by Mrs Eghieje Mary, a Deputy Director from NYSC North-West Area Office II, Sokoto.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 318 males and 160 females received Certificates of National Service. (NAN)