• Nafiu Says Review Takes Effect Next Year, Warns Corps Members Against Unsafe Travel
By| Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja
The Federal Government has approved an increase in the budget for feeding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members during their orientation course, in a move aimed at improving their welfare.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while interacting with members of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream One at the Cross River State NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra.
Nafiu said the Budget Office was aware of the upward review, adding that the increased feeding allocation was expected to take effect next year.
The NYSC chief also urged corps members to cultivate a savings culture, exercise prudence in their spending and avoid ostentatious lifestyles.
He commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and determination to serve the country, describing their commitment to national service as commendable.
On the safety of corps members travelling to their places of primary assignment, Nafiu warned them against exposing themselves to danger, particularly during long-distance journeys.
He advised them to discontinue their journeys when it approaches 6 p.m. and continue the following day rather than travel under unsafe conditions.
“Don’t sleep in public places, don’t sleep in filling station in large numbers, people will easily identify you,” he cautioned.
The Director-General further advised corps members to seek refuge in military barracks, police barracks and Department of State Services (DSS) establishments when necessary, while contacting the NYSC through its designated line for assistance.
Nafiu also disclosed that efforts would be intensified to engage relevant stakeholders towards providing and overhauling facilities at the Obubra Orientation Camp.
He encouraged corps members to acquire practical and entrepreneurial skills that would complement their academic qualifications and improve their prospects after national service.
“Learn something that will be useful to you, learn cosmetology, learn how to tie gele and others,” he advised.
Earlier, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the Director-General’s visit as a demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of corps members.
Presenting the camp situation report, Oyenuga disclosed that 1,064 corps members had been registered at the orientation camp.
She added that the corps members had adapted to the regimented camp environment.
The visit formed part of the NYSC leadership’s engagement with corps members and camp officials, with emphasis on welfare, safety, skills acquisition and the improvement of orientation camp facilities.
