By| Goodluck E.Adubazi | Abuja
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reaffirmed that all Corps Members are protected under a comprehensive insurance scheme throughout their service year.
Speaking in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Nafiu disclosed that the package includes both life insurance and access to medical care.
According to him, the Federal Government has put in place adequate measures to guarantee the safety and welfare of Corps Members, ensuring a secure and fulfilling service experience. He added that the Scheme also steps in financially in special medical cases not fully covered by health insurance.
The NYSC boss cited notable interventions, including the payment of ₦28 million to save the life of a pregnant Corps Member and her unborn child following a spinal cord injury from a road accident. He also revealed that ₦33 million was expended to procure prosthetic arms for another Corps Member injured in a separate road traffic accident.
“Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance under the National Health Insurance Authority,” Nafiu stated. “From the moment call-up letters are issued—even before they leave their homes—they are already insured.”
He cautioned against the dissemination of unverified reports about the Scheme and urged media practitioners to verify information directly with NYSC before publication.
Nafiu further explained that Corps Members are deployed strategically across the country to meet national needs, particularly in critical sectors such as healthcare and education. He noted that their participation in national assignments—including elections, sensitisation campaigns, and census exercises—has earned both local and international commendation.
Reiterating the Scheme’s commitment to safety, the DG assured that Corps Members would not be posted to high-risk areas. He also emphasized that the NYSC remains apolitical and non-religious, preserving its role in fostering national unity.
The NYSC Director-General commended Ndace for his leadership at Voice of Nigeria, describing the agency as a vital tool in Nigeria’s strategic communication framework. He also praised the media for its continued support of the Scheme.
Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment and lauded his leadership style, noting visible progress since he assumed office. He revealed that VON is collaborating with international media organisations to project positive narratives about Nigeria.
“At Voice of Nigeria, our mandate is to showcase Nigeria’s image, perspectives, and values globally. We currently broadcast in eight Nigerian languages,” Ndace said.
He reaffirmed VON’s readiness to partner with NYSC on youth-focused programming and content development, pledging to amplify the contributions and activities of Corps Members nationwide.
