By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on Corps Members across the country to maximise the opportunities of their service year for national advancement and personal growth, stressing that the one-year programme remains a defining period for acquiring skills, building networks and deepening cultural understanding.
In an official statement signed by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the DG delivered the charge while addressing Corps Members of the 2025 Batch ‘C’ currently undergoing orientation at the Kano, Jigawa and Yobe State Camps.
Brigadier General Nafiu, who reiterated the Scheme’s commitment to producing disciplined and patriotic youths, emphasised the need for Corps Members to adequately prepare for their future and imbibe the core values of the NYSC. He encouraged them to deliberately cultivate friendships, promote mutual respect, and integrate with the cultures and communities of their host States.
“Make friends, be your brother’s keeper; interact with your colleagues from other States and cultures. You will need those contacts to advance your interests in politics, business, academics, marriages and other endeavours,” the DG said.
He also urged those considering emigration after graduation to rethink their plans, advising them to first complete their service and earn the Certificate of National Service before leaving the country. “For as many of you as possible, I enjoin you to stay on, let us build this country together and make it greater,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms, Brigadier General Nafiu cautioned Corps Members to use social media responsibly, avoid insults, and stay away from partisan political posts throughout the service year. He noted that respect for national values and the integrity of the Scheme remained non-negotiable.
The DG further encouraged them to take full advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stressing that the post-camp training component was critical for perfecting the skills learned on camp. According to him, a business mindset and readiness to explore legitimate economic opportunities in their States of deployment would enable them to increase their income and enhance their prospects after service.
During the visit, the DG also received detailed reports from the Camp Coordinators. The Kano State Coordinator, Hajiya Halima Abubakar, reported that all 1,554 registered Corps Members were well-behaved and had fully adjusted to the regimented nature of camp life. In Jigawa State, the Coordinator, Alhaji Dawut Jidda, noted that the 1,202 Corps Members had been actively participating in all scheduled activities. Similarly, the Yobe State Coordinator, Mr Ohuoha Edison, stated that Corps Members in the camp had undergone multiple layers of training, including the entrepreneurship development programme.
Brigadier General Nafiu’s visit reinforces the NYSC’s continued drive to strengthen youth development, deepen national unity and empower young Nigerians with skills essential for nation-building.
