By Harriet Tornguvan
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned Corps Members against participating in political campaigns, rallies, and other partisan activities, stressing that the scheme remains an apolitical organisation.
General Nafiu gave the warning while addressing members of the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I at the NYSC Lagos State Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
He reminded the Corps Members that the NYSC was established as a national institution to foster unity and integration among Nigerians and should not be associated with any political party or political interest group.
"Do not get involved in the campaign of any political party. Don't mix NYSC with politics. You should stay clear of politics," the Director-General warned.
Nafiu also urged the Corps Members to exercise caution in their use of social media, warning against cyber-related offences such as cyberstalking, cyberbullying and cyber fraud.
According to him, any Corps Member found culpable of such offences would face the full consequences of the law.
"If you are found guilty, you will face the consequences. Be careful about the way you use social media," he said.
The NYSC boss further encouraged the Corps Members to remain focused on their future aspirations, noting that they possess immense potential and should avoid activities capable of derailing their ambitions.
He advised them to imbibe financial discipline by cultivating a savings culture and making prudent financial decisions during and after their service year.
Nafiu also urged the Corps Members to use the opportunity of the service year to promote national unity by building friendships across ethnic, cultural and religious divides.
Speaking on economic empowerment, the Director-General encouraged participants to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a platform for self-reliance and wealth creation.
He also highlighted the importance of investment education, noting that the recently launched NYSC/Kudimata Capital Market Awareness Sensitisation Programme was designed to equip Corps Members with knowledge of the capital market and investment opportunities.
"It is a programme designed to empower you with financial knowledge and investment capacity. It will also enable Corps Members to make informed financial decisions," he stated.
Earlier, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Christianah Salmwang, informed the Director-General that a total of 9,955 Corps Members had been registered for the 2026 Batch 'B' Stream I orientation exercise, including those undergoing orientation in other states.
She commended the Corps Members for their enthusiasm, discipline and commitment, expressing confidence in their readiness to serve the nation and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The orientation course is part of the NYSC programme aimed at preparing young graduates for their service year while promoting national cohesion, leadership and community development.
