Brigadier General Nafi’u Olakunle urges 1,450 corps members in Jigawa to remain neutral, reject political violence and focus on skills and service

Brigadier General Nafi’u Olakunle, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, urged 1,450 corps members undergoing orientation in Jigawa State to remain neutral and apolitical as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Olakunle gave the warning while visiting the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Fanisau, Dutse, where he reminded them that the scheme was created to promote national unity rather than partisan interests.

The intervention comes as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify across Nigeria, with the Independent National Electoral Commission having lifted the ban on campaign activities for the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Addressing the corps members, Olakunle said their allegiance should remain with Nigeria and warned against allowing politicians or political parties to exploit their status as young Nigerians serving across the country.

“You must remain neutral and apolitical at all times. Do not allow yourselves to be used as political thugs or agents for any politician or political party. Your loyalty is to Nigeria, not to any party,” he said.

The NYSC DG said corps members found campaigning for candidates, participating in partisan activities or using social media to circulate political materials could face disciplinary measures under the scheme’s bye-laws.

His warning reflects the delicate position corps members occupy during elections. NYSC personnel have historically been deployed for election-related assignments, making their neutrality and safety important to the credibility of the electoral process.

Olakunle also urged the corps members to respect the cultures and traditions of their host communities and remain security-conscious throughout their service year.

He cautioned them against cybercrime, drug abuse and unauthorised journeys, while stressing that the three-week orientation programme was intended to build discipline, leadership and entrepreneurial capacity.

The DG placed particular emphasis on the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, encouraging corps members to use the opportunity to develop practical skills that could support them after their mandatory service.

“The white-collar jobs are no longer available. Use this opportunity to learn a skill that will make you self-reliant after service, instead of waiting for government jobs,” Olakunle said.

Beyond political neutrality, the visit also focused on the welfare and future prospects of young Nigerians participating in the national service scheme.

Olakunle assured the corps members that the NYSC was working with relevant stakeholders to improve their welfare, safety and conditions in orientation camps nationwide.

During an interactive session, corps members raised concerns about security and possible redeployment from areas they considered unsafe.

Olakunle assured them that corps members would not be posted to crisis-prone locations and said the scheme would not deploy them for election duties without adequate security arrangements involving INEC and security agencies.

“Your safety is our priority. We have a standing Memorandum of Understanding with security agencies for your protection before, during and after any national assignment,” he said.

The assurance is particularly relevant ahead of 2027, when corps members could again be called upon to support electoral activities under arrangements between NYSC, INEC and security agencies.

The NYSC has previously played a significant role in Nigeria’s elections, with corps members serving as ad hoc personnel during polls. Their involvement has also exposed some members to security risks, making protection and adequate preparation an important part of election planning.

Olakunle also encouraged the corps members to approach their monthly allowance with discipline.

He advised them to save and invest part of the N77,000 monthly stipend rather than spend it on unnecessary items, arguing that small but consistent savings could help them establish a foundation for self-reliance after service.

The DG further encouraged the young graduates to build professional networks during their service year by maintaining valuable contacts at their places of primary assignment and within their host communities.

He said such relationships could provide opportunities for employment, mentorship and career development after their NYSC service.

Jigawa State NYSC Coordinator Muhammad Baba, in his welcome address, described the DG’s visit as a morale boost for corps members and camp officials.

Baba said the 1,450 corps members deployed to the state comprised 720 males and 730 females, adding that they had demonstrated good conduct since arriving at the orientation camp.

“We thank the Director General for finding time to visit Jigawa despite his tight schedule. The corps members have been exemplary in character and have shown readiness to contribute to the development of the state,” Baba said.

The corps members also responded positively to the DG’s message.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Gift Okoro thanked Olakunle for what she described as fatherly guidance and pledged that the batch would uphold the values of the scheme.

“On behalf of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members, we promise to be good ambassadors of the scheme and of our dear country. We will not involve ourselves in politics and will serve Nigeria diligently,” Okoro said.

The exchange underscored the broader purpose of the NYSC programme, which was established in 1973 following the civil war to encourage reconciliation, national integration and understanding among young Nigerians from different parts of the country.

As political competition intensifies ahead of 2027, the scheme faces the continuing challenge of preserving that unifying mission while ensuring that corps members who may participate in electoral assignments are adequately protected.

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For the corps members in Jigawa, Olakunle’s message was therefore both a warning and an opportunity: stay clear of partisan politics, protect personal safety and use the service year to acquire skills and relationships that can provide a stronger foundation for life after NYSC.