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| Nafiu urges corps to serve with integrity |
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu leads Nigeria’s youth service scheme. He spoke to 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 2 at Iyana-Ipaja camp in Lagos. He says corps members must accept their postings in good faith. His call aims to boost unity and growth in every community .
He warns against misconduct. He says violators of NYSC rules and Nigeria’s constitution will face sanction . He urges corps members to learn and respect host traditions. Every part of Nigeria has rich culture. Embracing these values helps foster national unity .
At Cross River and Ebonyi camps, General Nafiu listed core NYSC values. He named patriotism, integrity, loyalty, discipline, diligence, and selfless service . He says these traits guide corps members during and beyond service year .
He challenged them to stay diligent. He urged punctuality and respect for authority. He said camps in Obubra, Cross River, and Afikpo showed high morale and commitment . State coordinators confirmed strong attendance and full camp engagement .
Time is precious, General Nafiu adds. He reminds corps members that time wasted cannot return. He urges them to use their service year to learn skills and add value to their future . He says building friendships across ethnic lines will enrich their service and life .
Some corps members worry about insecurity in remote areas. Experts say service in these places also helps improve local security. Corps members can work with community leaders and youth groups. They can run workshops on peace and safety. This builds trust and reduces crime risks.
Others fear language barriers. NYSC advises new recruits to learn basic words in host-community dialects. This small effort earns respect and eases daily life. Many corps members find host families willing to teach them simple phrases.
Critics note that some postings lack proper infrastructure. Camp officials must work with local councils to ensure water, power, and camp security. The NYSC Directorate is urged to inspect camps regularly. This ensures safe and healthy living conditions.
Many former corps members testify that life in a remote posting builds character. They learn self-reliance, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills help them land jobs and start businesses later. Success stories include graduates who launched farms, tech hubs, and literacy programs in their host states.
Some community leaders say corps members boost local economy. They hire lodging, buy food, and organize events. This injects money into small businesses. Local artisans report higher sales during orientation and service activities.
Brigadier General Nafiu urges corps members to mentor local youth. He says sharing knowledge can spark new ideas. Mentorship projects in camps have led to art shows, coding clubs, and health campaigns. These run well when corps members show genuine care.
Looking ahead, the NYSC DG plans more visits to camps nationwide. He wants feedback from corps members and host communities. This will help the NYSC improve camp life and service activities.