The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has assured Corps Members that their welfare, safety, and security remain the scheme’s top priority and will not be compromised.
Nafiu gave the assurance while addressing the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members deployed to Niger State, as well as some posted to the FCT but undergoing orientation at the NYSC camp in Paiko, Niger State.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the DG said he was in Makurdi, Benue State, when he received reports of damage caused by late night rainstorms at the Paiko camp.
He explained that he immediately convened his team and visited the camp to assess the situation and initiate urgent repairs of affected structures.
While noting that orientation camps are not expected to provide luxury, Nafiu stressed that minimum standards must be maintained.
He added that discussions were ongoing between the NYSC and the Niger State Government to expedite repairs and upgrade the camp, assuring Corps Members that they would not be left stranded.
The DG also commended the discipline of the Corps Members, noting the absence of social media posts or images showing the damaged facilities.
Speaking on the purpose of the scheme, Nafiu said the NYSC was designed to promote national unity and integration, urging Corps Members to build lasting friendships across ethnic and cultural lines.
He further highlighted the importance of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a vital initiative that equips Corps Members with practical skills for self reliance and income generation.
Nafiu disclosed that the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members would be the first set to participate as adhoc staff in the 2027 general elections.
He said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide the necessary training in due course, while cautioning them against partisanship, thuggery, and other electoral malpractices.
Reiterating the non partisan stance of the NYSC, he warned Corps Members against engaging in political activities.
He also advised them to remain vigilant during the rainy season, noting the risks posed by storms and flooding, and urged them to prioritize their safety.
Earlier, the NYSC Niger State Coordinator, Mrs Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the DG that 2,484 Corps Members comprising 1,241 males and 1,243 females had been registered for the orientation course, including those redeployed from the FCT to the Niger camp.
