The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Akinyemi Nafiu, has urged newly mobilized Corps members to approach their national assignment with unwavering commitment, integrity, and a spirit of patriotism, describing the service year as a critical pathway to national unity and sustainable development.
Addressing the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Iseyin, Oyo State, Brigadier General Nafiu emphasized that the destiny of Nigeria lies heavily on the shoulders of its youth. He charged them to see their one-year mandatory service as more than an obligation but as a noble opportunity to contribute to nation-building.
“You are the future of Nigeria. You represent the strength, the potential, and the possibilities of this country,” he declared. “It is your time to rise and serve with honor, loyalty, and purpose. Our unity and our progress depend on how seriously you take this call.”
The NYSC DG called on Corps members to embrace core values such as integrity, selflessness, teamwork, cultural understanding, and national pride. According to him, these values are not just essential for personal growth, but for the collective advancement of Nigeria.
He described the NYSC scheme as a strategic tool for national integration, bridge-building, and cultural exchange, urging the Corps members to make the most of their posting by engaging meaningfully with their host communities.
“Respect the culture of your host communities. Participate if you can in their traditions, or simply observe and learn. What matters is your attitude—be respectful, be open-minded, and be good ambassadors of the NYSC,” he said.
Brigadier General Nafiu encouraged the Corps members to use the service year as a broader learning experience—beyond their academic disciplines. He called on them to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s diversity by learning about the people, values, and geography of their respective deployment states.
“The NYSC year is not just about primary assignment. It’s about national exposure, personal development, and cross-cultural understanding. Take time to learn about Nigeria—our differences, our strengths, and the things that unite us.”
The Director General also stressed the importance of economic empowerment through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, highlighting the growing relevance of multiple streams of income in the country’s current economic climate.
“The era of depending on one income is gone. Equip yourself with a skill. Be productive. Be intentional. Let your service year end with a craft or trade that can support your livelihood. Take SAED seriously and prepare for life beyond the uniform.”
Earlier in his remarks, the Oyo State NYSC Coordinator, Mr. Peters Kayode, welcomed the DG and lauded his strategic leadership and continued support for the scheme. He commended the conduct of the Corps members in camp, describing the current batch as disciplined, enthusiastic, and responsive.
“These young Nigerians have shown exceptional commitment throughout the orientation period. They have actively participated in every activity and continue to carry themselves with a high sense of responsibility,” Kayode said.
He also briefed the Director General on ongoing improvements at the camp and praised camp officials for their relentless dedication in making the orientation programme successful and impactful.
As the orientation exercise continues, the message from the top remains clear: Service to Nigeria must be marked by discipline, dedication, and the unshakable belief that every youth holds the power to shape the nation’s destiny.
