By Harriet Tornguvan
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged Corps Members to exercise responsibility in their use of social media, urging them to promote the ideals of the scheme and foster national unity.
Addressing the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Corps Members deployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nasarawa State at their orientation camps in Kubwa and Keffi, respectively, the NYSC helmsman emphasised the need for discipline and neutrality, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
General Nafiu informed the Corps Members that they would play a role in the forthcoming elections, stressing that as key stakeholders, they must remain completely non-partisan both in action and online engagements.
He encouraged them to build and nurture meaningful relationships during their service year, noting that such connections could yield lifelong benefits. The Director-General cited examples of prominent Nigerians who forged enduring friendships during their NYSC service.
Highlighting the importance of national integration, Nafiu said the service year offers a unique opportunity for Corps Members to experience Nigeria’s diverse cultures and people, thereby deepening their understanding and appreciation of the country’s unity in diversity.
He expressed optimism that the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and unity displayed during orientation camp activities would be sustained beyond the service year in the interest of national cohesion.
The Director General also reminded Corps Members of their responsibility to give back to society, noting that many of them may have benefited from the contributions of previous Corps Members, particularly in the education sector.
On economic empowerment, he urged them to take the Skills and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme seriously, describing it as a viable pathway to financial independence and job creation after service.
General Nafiu further advised Corps Members to cultivate a savings culture, urging them to set aside part of their monthly allowance despite the challenges associated with the service year.
He called on them to harness their creativity and ideas to initiate impactful Community Development Service (CDS) projects, building on the legacies of their predecessors across the country.
In his remarks, the FCT Coordinator, Samson Ateli, disclosed that a total of 6,225 Corps Members had registered for service in the territory, while the Nasarawa State Coordinator, Hajia Salamatu Muhammad, said 2,679 Corps Members were registered at the Keffi orientation camp, including 796 deployed to serve in the FCT.
The NYSC Director-General reiterated the scheme’s commitment to nation-building, urging Corps Members to remain focused, disciplined, and dedicated throughout their service year.
