The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members to embrace discipline, entrepreneurship and responsible citizenship as they begin their mandatory national service.
Speaking during an official visit to the 2026 Batch B Stream I Orientation Camp in Wannune, Benue State, on Thursday, Nafiu said the NYSC scheme was established to foster national unity by exposing young Nigerians to the country’s diverse cultures and traditions.
He encouraged corps members to build meaningful friendships and professional networks throughout their service year, describing interaction and integration as key objectives of the programme.
The NYSC boss reminded participants that the service year marks an important transition from academic life to the workplace and urged them to maximise every opportunity available during the period.
He specifically encouraged them to participate actively in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, noting that the initiative equips corps members with practical skills capable of creating employment and additional sources of income.
On financial responsibility, Nafiu advised corps members to cultivate a savings culture, spend wisely and invest any extra income earned during the service year rather than depending on a single source of livelihood.
He also urged them to discharge their duties diligently at their various Places of Primary Assignment, particularly those posted to schools, stressing that education remains vital to national development and that teachers play a significant role in shaping future generations.
The Director-General further cautioned corps members against unauthorised travel and night journeys, urging them to remain security-conscious and comply with NYSC regulations. He also advised them to use social media responsibly and maintain positive digital footprints.
Nafiu encouraged eligible corps members to take advantage of opportunities provided by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contribute to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Earlier, the Benue State Coordinator of the scheme, Mrs Veronica Garba, welcomed the Director-General and presented a report on activities at the orientation camp. She commended corps members for their discipline, resilience and active participation in camp activities.
During an interactive session, corps members raised concerns about welfare, allowances, camp feeding, transportation and kits. Nafiu assured them that their concerns had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities and expressed optimism that improvements would be made as resources become available.
The visit also featured the recognition of the first corps member to report to camp, Miss Unung Felicia Udosinachi, as well as the celebration of a corps member’s birthday. Cash gifts on behalf of the Director-General were presented to representatives of the Quarter Guard, Man O’ War, Camp Band, Cultural Dance Troupe and Red Cross in appreciation of their dedication throughout the orientation course.
The Director-General was welcomed to the camp with a colourful Tiv cultural dance performance, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Benue State.
