By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reassured Corps Members that their welfare, safety, and security remain the scheme’s top priority, following damage caused by a late-night rainstorm at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Paiko.

Addressing the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II Corps Members deployed to Niger State and those posted to the Federal Capital Territory but camped in Paiko, the DG emphasized that the NYSC would not compromise on the well-being of participants under any circumstances.

General Nafiu revealed that he was in Makurdi, Benue State, when news of the storm damage reached him.

He immediately mobilized his team and traveled to the camp to personally assess the situation and initiate urgent repairs.

While noting that orientation camps are not designed for luxury, he stressed that they must meet minimum acceptable standards. He assured Corps Members that the NYSC is already in discussions with the Niger State Government to repair and upgrade affected facilities, adding that no Corps Member would be left stranded.

The DG also commended the discipline displayed by the Corps Members, highlighting the absence of social media posts or images showing the damaged structures.

During the visit, General Nafiu reiterated the core objectives of the NYSC scheme, describing it as a platform deliberately created to promote national unity across Nigeria’s diverse population. He encouraged participants to build lasting friendships beyond their service year.

He further sensitized Corps Members on the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a vital initiative that equips participants with practical skills for self-reliance and income generation, regardless of future employment opportunities.

Looking ahead, the DG disclosed that the 2026 Batch “A” Stream II would be the first set of Corps Members eligible to serve as ad-hoc staff in the 2027 general elections. He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would provide the necessary training but warned against involvement in partisan politics, electoral malpractice, or thuggery, reiterating the NYSC’s non-partisan stance.

He also urged Corps Members to remain vigilant during the rainy season, cautioning against risks such as flooding and storms.

Earlier, the NYSC Niger State Coordinator, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu Ibrahim, informed the DG that a total of 2,484 Corps Members—comprising 1,241 males and 1,243 females—had been registered for the orientation exercise, including those redeployed from the FCT.