The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has cautioned corps members against participating in partisan political activities as the country gradually prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu gave the warning on Tuesday during a town hall meeting with 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I corps members at the temporary NYSC Orientation Camp in Amada, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The NYSC boss stressed that the scheme has built its credibility over the years on the foundation of political neutrality and warned corps members against engaging in activities that could create the impression that the organisation is aligned with any political party.
According to him, the commencement of another election cycle requires corps members to exercise caution and uphold the apolitical nature of the scheme.
“And since 1999, we have continued to strengthen our democratic process season after season. We are going into another electioneering season, and campaigns will soon begin. Don’t go to campaign grounds as a corps member,” he said.
Nafiu specifically warned corps members against attending political rallies or campaign events while wearing NYSC uniforms or any official insignia of the scheme.
He explained that such appearances, whether deliberate or accidental, could damage the image of the organisation and erode public confidence in its neutrality.
“If I grab you with this face cap, this crested vest, this white-on-white and this khaki at a campaign ground and they capture you, the headline will be: ‘NYSC aligns with XYZ party.’ Your explanation will not be satisfactory. NYSC is apolitical. We do not align with any political party,” he said.
The Director-General noted that Nigerians and the international community have consistently entrusted corps members with election responsibilities because of their reputation for neutrality and professionalism.
“The country has known us for that for the past 53 years. Nigerians and the international community are comfortable seeing us serve as INEC ad hoc staff election after election because they trust us. Don’t spoil it in your time. We will not allow you to cross that line,” he warned.
Nafiu also challenged corps members to become agents of positive change and contributors to national development rather than critics observing from the sidelines.
“You have a chance to make a difference. When you sit on the sidelines and criticise, you don’t know what is actually happening on the pitch. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Believe in yourself and run your race,” he advised.
He further encouraged them to embrace hard work, build meaningful relationships and reduce excessive use of social media.
“This is not the time to be lazy. This is the time to work. Cut down on unnecessary use of social media. If you are doing business on social media, fine. Create good content, make friends and nurture friendships. Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve,” he said.
In a gesture that excited the corps members, the Director-General announced the donation of a cow to the camp community.
“From the DG, you have a cow. Use it to make your pepper soup, your suya, or whatever you want to do with it,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Gombe State NYSC Coordinator, Chinwe Nwachukwu, disclosed that a total of 1,349 corps members had been registered for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I orientation exercise in the state.
According to her, the figure comprises 649 male and 700 female corps members.
Nwachukwu stated that the corps members had adjusted well to camp activities, maintained discipline and actively participated in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme as well as other camp engagements.
She also highlighted the security measures put in place at the orientation camp, revealing that personnel of the Nigerian Air Force 109 Combat Reconnaissance Group were providing aerial drone surveillance to strengthen security around the facility.
However, she lamented the challenges associated with the temporary nature of the camp.
“The temporary nature of the camp makes it very difficult to plan ahead. Facilities provided after every orientation exercise are often vandalised or become unusable due to overuse,” she said.
The coordinator identified unstable electricity supply, dependence on generators and the absence of a multipurpose hall as some of the major challenges confronting the orientation camp.
