By Harriet Tornguvan
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reassured corps members that their welfare, safety and security remain the scheme’s top priority and will not be compromised under any circumstances.
General Nafiu gave the assurance while addressing members of the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II deployed to Niger State, as well as those posted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but undergoing their orientation course at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State.
The DG disclosed that he was in Makurdi, Benue State, when he received reports of the destruction caused by a late-night rainstorm at the Paiko camp. He said he immediately mobilised his team and proceeded to the camp to personally assess the damage and initiate prompt remedial actions.
According to him, while orientation camps are not designed for luxury, they must meet minimum standards to ensure the comfort and safety of corps members. He assured them that the NYSC, in collaboration with the Niger State Government, was already taking steps to repair and upgrade the affected facilities, stressing that no corps member would be left stranded.
General Nafiu commended the corps members for their discipline, noting the absence of social media posts or images showing the damaged structures, which he described as a demonstration of maturity and responsibility.
He further used the opportunity to sensitise the corps members on the core objectives of the NYSC scheme, emphasising its role in fostering national unity and integration across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural landscape. He encouraged them to build lasting friendships and networks that would extend beyond their service year.
Highlighting the importance of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, the DG urged participants to take full advantage of the initiative. He noted that the programme equips corps members with practical skills that could serve as a source of livelihood or supplementary income after service.
General Nafiu also informed the corps members that the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II would be the first to participate as ad-hoc staff in the 2027 general elections. He stated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide adequate training ahead of the exercise.
He, however, cautioned them against engaging in partisan politics, electoral misconduct, or any form of thuggery, reiterating that the NYSC remains a non-partisan institution and that corps members are prohibited from political participation.
The DG also advised corps members to be vigilant and take necessary precautions during the rainy season, noting the risks associated with storms, flooding and related hazards.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the Director-General that a total of 2,484 corps members comprising 1,241 males and 1,243 females had been registered for the orientation course. She added that the figure includes corps members deployed to the FCT but relocated to Niger State for the exercise.
