NYSC DG Nafiu assures corps members of safety, confirms role in 2027 elections

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has assured corps members that their welfare, safety, and security remain the top priority of the scheme and will not be compromised.

Nafiu gave the assurance while addressing members of the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II deployed to Niger State, as well as those posted to the Federal Capital Territory but undergoing orientation at the NYSC camp in Paiko.

The DG disclosed that he was in Makurdi when he received reports of damage caused by a late-night rainstorm at the Paiko orientation camp. He said he immediately mobilised his team to assess the situation and initiate urgent repairs to affected facilities.

While noting that orientation camps are not designed for luxury, Nafiu emphasised that minimum standards must be maintained. He added that discussions were ongoing between the NYSC and the Niger State Government to fast-track repairs and upgrade the camp, assuring corps members that they would not be left stranded.

He also commended the discipline of the corps members, observing that there were no social media posts or images circulating about the damaged structures.

Highlighting the objectives of the scheme, Nafiu said the NYSC was established to promote national unity and integration, urging corps members to build lasting friendships across ethnic and cultural lines.

He further sensitised them on the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a critical component of the service year that equips participants with practical skills for job creation and additional income opportunities.

The DG revealed 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. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission would provide the necessary training, while cautioning corps members against partisanship, thuggery, and other electoral malpractices.

Reiterating the non-partisan nature of the scheme, Nafiu stressed that corps members are prohibited from engaging in political activities during their service year.

He also urged them to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure their safety, especially during the rainy season, which often brings storms and flooding.

In her remarks, the NYSC Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, said a total of 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.