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 a top priority and will not be compromised under any circumstances.
General Nafiu gave the assurance while addressing the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members deployed to Niger State, as well as those posted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but undergoing their Orientation Course at the NYSC camp in Paiko, Niger State.
The DG disclosed that he was in Makurdi, Benue State, when he received reports of damage caused by a late-night rainstorm at the Paiko camp. He said he promptly mobilised his team and visited the camp to assess the situation firsthand and initiate immediate remedial measures.
While noting that orientation camps are not designed for luxury, Nafiu emphasised that minimum standards must be maintained. He assured Corps Members that discussions were ongoing between the NYSC management and the Niger State Government to repair the damaged facilities and upgrade the camp, stressing that no Corps Member would be left stranded.
He commended the discipline exhibited by the Corps Members, particularly their restraint in not sharing images or posts of the damaged structures on social media.
The NYSC boss also used the opportunity to reiterate the core objectives of the scheme, describing it as a vital platform for promoting national unity and integration. He encouraged Corps Members to build lasting friendships and make meaningful connections throughout their service year.
On the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, Nafiu described it as a critical component of the scheme, designed to equip Corps Members with practical skills for self-reliance and income generation.
He further disclosed that the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members would be the first set to participate as ad-hoc staff in the 2027 general elections. According to him, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide the necessary training ahead of the exercise.
The DG, however, cautioned Corps Members against engaging in partisanship, thuggery, and other electoral malpractices, stressing that the NYSC remains a non-partisan organisation and that Corps Members are prohibited from participating in politics.
He also advised them to remain vigilant, especially during the rainy season, which may bring storms, flooding, and other hazards, urging them to prioritise their safety at all times.
Earlier, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the DG that a total of 2,484 Corps Members comprising 1,241 males and 1,243 females had been registered for the orientation course. She noted that the figure included Corps Members from the FCT who were relocated to the Niger camp for the exercise.
