The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has called on corps members to uphold the founding values of the scheme, describing them as essential to Nigeria’s unity, development and future leadership.
General Nafiu gave the charge while addressing 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One corps members undergoing orientation at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ede, Osun State, and at the Kwara State Polytechnic camp in Ilorin.
He said the principles of selfless service, patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork have sustained the NYSC since its establishment in 1973, stressing that present and future corps members must continue to embody these ideals to preserve the vision of the scheme’s founding fathers.
According to him, the NYSC was created to promote national integration and development by harnessing the intellectual capacity, creativity and energy of Nigeria’s young graduates.
Reminding the corps members of their role in nation-building, Nafiu said they must take responsibility for Nigeria’s progress rather than expecting external intervention.
“As stated in the NYSC anthem, ‘Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve.’ It is our responsibility to develop our country. We cannot expect foreigners to come and build our nation for us,” he said.
The NYSC boss urged the corps members to participate actively in all orientation activities, noting that the programme is designed to deepen their understanding of Nigeria and prepare them for responsibilities during and beyond their service year.
He encouraged them to fully internalise the physical, mental and intellectual training provided during the exercise in order to have a rewarding and impactful service experience.
Nafiu also advised the young graduates to adapt quickly to their host communities after the orientation course, respect local customs and traditions, and build positive relationships that would earn them goodwill.
He further challenged the corps members to use the service year to acquire skills, knowledge and values that would distinguish them as future leaders, urging them to network widely and build friendships across ethnic, religious and social lines.
Earlier, the Osun State NYSC Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, informed the Director-General that the 1,864 corps members registered at the camp had demonstrated good conduct and active participation in all activities.
Similarly, the Kwara State Coordinator, Mr Onifade Joshua, said corps members deployed to the state had been well behaved, while commending camp officials for their dedication to training and mentoring the participants.
The NYSC leadership reiterated its commitment to using the scheme as a platform for national cohesion, youth development and leadership grooming in Nigeria.
Elijah Adeyemi
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