The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to strengthening its public image through effective media engagement, urging State Coordinators to embrace modern communication strategies to showcase the organisation’s achievements and deepen stakeholder confidence.
Speaking at a strategic media training workshop for NYSC top management and State Coordinators in Abuja, Nafiu described the Scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building institutions and stressed the need for greater visibility of its programmes and contributions to national development.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening NYSC Operations through Strategic Media Engagement: Contemporary Digital and Traditional Media Approaches,” was organised to enhance the communication capacity of NYSC officials across the country.
According to the Director-General, the training is aimed at helping the Scheme build stronger relationships with stakeholders, improve service delivery, and remain relevant in an increasingly digital communication environment.
He noted that while the NYSC has recorded significant milestones over the years, many stakeholders, including prospective corps members, parents, and members of the public, still lack adequate understanding of the Scheme’s policies, operations, and developmental impact.
“We live in an age where information spreads instantly. A single social media post can enhance or damage an institution’s reputation within minutes. We must remain vigilant,” Nafiu said.
He added that the recent celebration of the NYSC’s 53rd anniversary provided another opportunity to showcase the Scheme’s achievements and contributions to national unity and development.
The Director-General charged State Coordinators to take advantage of the training by acquiring contemporary skills in media relations, crisis communication, digital engagement, content creation, media monitoring, risk communication, and reputation management.
“As the faces of the NYSC in your respective states, your competence in communication and media management is critical to the success of the Scheme,” he said, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve the projection of NYSC activities across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Nafiu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement, while encouraging State Coordinators to establish strong media teams and closely monitor information concerning corps members and NYSC operations.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, underscored the importance of strategic communication in sustaining public trust and enhancing awareness of the Scheme’s achievements.
She noted that the NYSC operate in a rapidly evolving media landscape marked by challenges such as misinformation, disinformation, sensational reporting, and the misuse of social media platforms.
According to Embu, the growing influence of digitally savvy young Nigerians participating in the national service programme makes it imperative for NYSC officials to acquire the skills necessary to manage information effectively and protect the Scheme’s reputation.
“We cannot afford to diminish our publicity efforts; rather, we must intensify them by leveraging both traditional and emerging media platforms,” she said.
Embu urged the State Coordinators to function not only as administrators but also as professional communicators and strategic information managers capable of telling the NYSC story, celebrating its successes, and highlighting its impact on national development.
She explained that the training was designed to equip participants with practical public relations and strategic communication skills needed to enhance engagement with the media and other critical stakeholders while projecting a positive image of the Scheme.
The workshop is expected to strengthen the capacity of NYSC managers nationwide to effectively navigate the evolving media environment and promote the organisation’s mandate more strategically.
