By Joy Onu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reiterated its apolitical status, warning Corps Members to desist from any form of involvement in political campaigns, rallies, or partisan activities during their service year.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday by Caroline Embu, Director Information and Public Relations, the Director-General of the scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, gave the warning while addressing members of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I at the NYSC Lagos State Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja.
He cautioned that Corps Members must not allow themselves to be identified with any political party, stressing that the NYSC remains strictly non-partisan.
“Do not get involved in the campaign of any political party. Don’t mix NYSC with politics. Stay clear of politics,” he said.
Brigadier General Nafiu also urged Corps Members to exercise caution in their use of social media, warning against cyber-related offences including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and cyber fraud.
He stressed that any Corps Member found culpable would face disciplinary consequences. “You will face the consequences if you are found guilty. Be careful about the way you use social media,” he warned.
The NYSC DG further advised participants to remain focused on building their future, avoid negative influences, and adopt prudent financial habits such as saving and responsible spending.
He encouraged them to use the service year as an opportunity to foster national unity by forming lasting relationships across cultural and ethnic boundaries.
He also charged them to fully engage in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and explore opportunities within the capital market to strengthen their financial independence.
According to him, the NYSC/Kudimata Capital Market Awareness Sensitisation Programme recently launched in Lagos is designed to equip Corps Members with financial literacy and investment skills.
“It is a programme designed to empower you with financial knowledge and investment capacity. It will also enable Corps Members to make informed financial decisions,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Christianah Salmwang, disclosed that a total of 9,955 Corps Members were registered for the orientation exercise, including those participating in other states.
She noted that the Corps Members had shown discipline, enthusiasm, and readiness to serve the nation.
