By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, has charged newly mobilised Corps members to rise above indifference and complacency, insisting that Nigeria’s future rests squarely on their commitment to service, integrity and national unity.
Addressing the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One Corps members at separate orientation camps in Ede, Osun State, and Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, the NYSC helmsman declared that the Scheme’s survival and relevance depend on young graduates upholding the core values on which it was founded more than five decades ago.
DG: Core Values Keep NYSC Alive
Nafiu said the virtues of selfless service, patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork have remained the backbone of the NYSC since its establishment in 1973, warning that abandoning these ideals would weaken the vision of the Scheme.
“These values are the pillars that have kept the NYSC waxing strong for over 50 years. You must imbibe them to sustain the legacies of our founding fathers,” he told the Corps members.
‘Nigeria Is Ours to Develop’
Reminding the young graduates of the purpose behind the creation of the NYSC, the DG said the Scheme was designed to promote national unity, integration and development by harnessing the energy, intellect and creativity of Nigerian youths.
He charged the Corps members to see themselves as active nation builders, not spectators.
“As stated in the NYSC Anthem, Nigeria is ours, Nigeria we serve. We cannot expect foreigners to come and build our nation for us. The responsibility is ours,” Nafiu declared.
The NYSC boss urged the Corps members to take the orientation course seriously, stressing that every activity from drills to lectures was carefully designed to prepare them for the demands of the service year and life beyond it.
“The orientation course is meant to give you a better understanding of Nigeria and equip you mentally, physically and intellectually for the tasks ahead,” he said.
He encouraged them to fully internalise the skills being imparted, noting that doing so would guarantee a fulfilling and rewarding service year.
Nafiu also advised the Corps members to adapt quickly to their places of primary assignment after camp, urging them to respect the customs and traditions of their host communities.
“Respect for local culture will earn you goodwill and support. Integration is key to achieving the objectives of the Scheme,” he added.
The DG described the NYSC year as a rare opportunity for personal growth, leadership development and networking, urging Corps members to use the platform wisely.
“Use this opportunity to acquire skills and attributes that will distinguish you among your peers when you are called upon to lead in future,” he said.
He further encouraged them to interact freely across ethnic, religious and regional divides, noting that friendships formed during service could become lifelong assets.
Earlier, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, informed the DG that the 1,864 Corps members registered in the camp had been well-behaved and actively participating in all camp activities.
Similarly, the NYSC Kwara State Coordinator, Mr. Onifade Joshua, reported that Corps members deployed to the state had conducted themselves responsibly, praising camp officials for their dedication in training the young graduates.
As the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream One orientation gathers momentum across camps nationwide, the message from the NYSC leadership was unmistakable: the service year is not a formality, but a call to duty one that demands character, commitment and a renewed belief in Nigeria.
