The Director of Media at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Headquarters, Chukwuemeka Mgbemena, has urged corps members to adhere strictly to the scheme’s rules and regulations, emphasising the importance of discipline throughout their service year.
Mgbemena made the call on Thursday during a visit to the 2025 Batch A, Stream 1 corps members at the NYSC Temporary Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
“Follow the NYSC ethics strictly. Remain disciplined, avoid scandals, and obey all regulations. Defying the rules today could negatively impact your future,” Mgbemena advised the corps members.
He stressed the ongoing relevance of the NYSC’s vision, particularly in fostering national unity and empowering young Nigerians through its orientation camp programmes.
Mgbemena encouraged corps members to engage fully in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, which offers opportunities through financial partnerships available at the camp.
“The world is increasingly ruled by skills. Traditional white-collar jobs are diminishing. NYSC offers you a rare chance to be empowered – take it seriously,” he said.
“SAED has already produced successful entrepreneurs among your predecessors. Today, many are directors, thriving as business owners, and contributing significantly to the nation’s economy,” Mgbemena continued.
Additionally, he advised against unnecessary travel and reminded corps members that approval must be sought from the State Coordinator for any essential journeys.
“You are the chief security officer of your life,” he stressed.
Group Captain Ibrahim Bukar, from the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, also spoke during the visit, urging corps members to engage with local community leaders.
“I encourage you to visit the local ‘Baale’ and introduce yourselves as children serving the fatherland,” Bukar said. He explained that such interactions would help corps members integrate into their communities and ensure they are noticed if absent for any extended period.
While describing Lagos as relatively peaceful, Bukar advised residents to “see something, say something” to help prevent avoidable security risks.
Lagos NYSC Coordinator Mrs Christina Salmwang thanked Mgbemena for his visit and reported that corps members had quickly adapted to life in the camp. She confirmed that all corps members were registered, accommodated, and participating in various activities such as SAED, advocacy lectures, training, games, and social events.
However, she noted that heavy winds and rain had caused damage to several canopies, leaving only one or two remaining.
Salmwang also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the Lagos State Government, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and partner agencies in sustaining the camp.
Meanwhile, Mr Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation, encouraged the corps members to learn local languages.
Ajiboye highlighted that the institute would offer a platform for corps members to learn multiple Nigerian languages, furthering cultural understanding and contributing to national unity.
“Learning local languages also helps you connect with your host community, aligning with NYSC’s vision,” Ajiboye said.
The corps members entertained their guests with cultural presentations, including a performance by a Yoruba cultural group and a Man O’ War display.
