By Nkechi Eze
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to strengthening its publicity efforts to effectively showcase its achievements and contributions to national development.
Brigadier General Nafiu made the declaration in Abuja during a strategic media training workshop for NYSC top management staff and State Coordinators, emphasizing that effective communication remains critical to sustaining the relevance and visibility of the Scheme.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening NYSC Operations Through Strategic Media Engagement: Contemporary Digital and Traditional Media Approaches,” was organized to enhance communication capacity and improve stakeholder engagement across the country.
Speaking at the event, the NYSC Director-General described the Scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring nation-building initiatives and stressed the need to leverage both digital and traditional media platforms in promoting its programmes and activities.
He noted that the recent celebration of the NYSC’s 53rd anniversary provided another opportunity to highlight the Scheme’s achievements and impact on national development.
“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 observed that many stakeholders, including prospective Corps Members, parents, and members of the public, still lack adequate understanding of the Scheme’s policies, processes, and achievements.
According to him, strategic use of the media would help the NYSC effectively tell its story, highlight its successes, and improve public understanding of its role in fostering national unity and development.
The Director-General reminded State Coordinators that they serve as the public faces of the Scheme in their respective states, making competence in media relations, crisis communication, digital engagement, and reputation management essential to the successful discharge of their responsibilities.
He urged participants to maximize the opportunity provided by the training by embracing contemporary communication strategies and best practices in content creation, media monitoring, risk communication, and stakeholder engagement.
“Apply the knowledge and skills you would gain from this training to drive measurable improvements in projecting NYSC activities and achievements across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he charged.
Nafiu further assured that the Scheme under his leadership would continue to prioritize transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement while strengthening communication mechanisms at all levels.
He also encouraged State Coordinators to establish effective media teams and closely monitor information relating to Corps Members and NYSC activities in their various states.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, underscored the growing importance of strategic media engagement in advancing the Scheme’s mandate of mobilizing, orienting, and deploying Nigerian graduates for national service.
She stated that effective communication and strategic information management are vital to sustaining public trust and increasing awareness of the NYSC’s achievements and developmental contributions.
“We cannot afford to diminish our publicity efforts; rather, we must intensify them by leveraging both traditional and emerging media platforms,” she said.
Embu emphasized that NYSC managers and coordinators must remain proactive in communicating the Scheme’s successes, addressing emerging issues, and projecting a positive institutional image.
She noted that the media landscape has evolved rapidly, presenting challenges such as misinformation, disinformation, sensational reporting, misuse of social media, and inadequate coverage of positive developmental stories.
According to her, these challenges are amplified by the increasing number of digitally savvy young Nigerians participating in the Scheme, making it imperative for coordinators to acquire advanced communication and information management skills.
“As officers entrusted with safeguarding the reputation of the NYSC in your respective states, you are expected to function as professional communicators and strategic information managers. You must tell our stories, celebrate our achievements, and showcase the impact of the Scheme,” she said.
She added that the training was designed to equip participants with practical public relations and strategic communication skills needed to engage effectively with the media and other key stakeholders while enhancing the public profile of the NYSC nationwide.
