The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has called on corps members to project the good image of the scheme by staying back and building the Nigeria of their dreams.
General Nafiu also called on the corps members to imbibe the saving culture and create opportunities for self sufficient.
The NYSC DG gave this charge on Monday during a working visit to the NYSC Permanent Orientation camp, Ede, Osun State.
Addressing the 2026 Batch A Stream I corps members, the Director-General said participants in the orientation course had been sufficiently exposed to the ideals, values and objectives of the NYSC scheme since their arrival in camp.
Emphasising the need for confidence in the country’s potential, General Nafiu encouraged the corps members to believe in Nigeria and invest their energy at home rather than focusing solely on migration.
“If we don’t build this country together, foreigners will not do it for us. Opportunities for immigration to other countries are becoming tighter. Why not stay back in Nigeria and build something?” he asked.
On unemployment, the NYSC Director-General said the scheme was responding through its Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme to equip corps members with practical skills.
“NYSC is aware there is unemployment, so we are building you through the SAED programme to create opportunities for you to be self sufficient and stand on your own after the service year,” he said.
He also advised the corps members to acquire multiple skills and develop side businesses, stressing that reliance on a single source of income was no longer sustainable in the country.
“The era of surviving on one string of income is gone. For you to survive in Nigeria, you must have a side hustle,” General Nafiu added.
The NYSC boss disclosed that government had supported the scheme to facilitate access to grants and loans for corps members, while urging them to cultivate a strong saving culture.
He explained that the orientation programme was designed to prepare corps members for national service by acquainting them with Nigeria’s cultural diversity, shared values and key institutions, while encouraging them to learn from their host communities.
General Nafiu urged the corps members to approach the service year with commitment and discipline, describing national service as a constitutional obligation for graduates under the age of 30.
“Give in your best to the scheme and the nation. You are here to serve with all your strength. It is a constitutional responsibility. You have to serve Nigeria if you graduate before the age of thirty years,” he said.
He congratulated the corps members for seizing the opportunity to serve the country and advised them to complete their service year with dedication and focus.
He charged the corps members to see themselves as critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s development, noting that the service year offered a platform to build lifelong networks across the country.
He said the interactions among corps members from different regions could translate into social and economic opportunities if properly harnessed.
“I congratulate you for making hay while the sun shines. I will advise you to stay put and conclude your service.
“The network you are building is social and economic opportunities. Try and learn what is available in your friend’s region,” he stated.
He cautioned corps members on responsible use of social media and strict adherence to NYSC bye-laws, particularly on safety and political neutrality.
“No corps member is expected to serve as a party agent or delegate. Any corps member caught will be heavily sanctioned. Run away from politicians and misuse of social media platforms,” he warned.
Earlier, the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Kubiangha Ekeng Ita highlighted that the challenges facing the camp, included the need for roofing of the multi-purpose hall, renovation of hostel windows and improved painting,
Ita noted that electricity supply in the camp was powered by diesel generators, while the Timi of Ede offered royal blessings to the corps members sworn in on January 23, 2026.
He said the corps members had been adequately briefed on expectations during and after the orientation camp while appreciating stakeholders for donations of chairs and drugs to support their welfare.
