The director-general of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has warned corps members against travelling without authorisation during their service year.

In a statement by Gbenga Fanegan, public relations officer of the scheme in Edo, on Monday, Mr Nafiu gave the warning  while addressing the 2025 Batch ‘C’ corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada, Edo over the weekend.

The NYSC boss regretted that disregard for travel rules had led to “avoidable dangers,” urging them to comply strictly with all mobility regulations.

The director-general stressed that such trips expose them to needless risks on Nigerian highways.

“I want to strongly advise you: do not travel without authorisation.

“It is for your safety. Many of the dangers young people encounter on our roads are avoidable,” he said.

The NYSC boss charged corps members to show respect to camp officials, and actively participate in all camp activities.

He also urged them to maintain high standards of discipline and patriotism in appreciation of the government’s investment in the scheme.

“You must be disciplined, decorous and patriotic. Participate fully in your activities and respect every official.

“That is how to justify the confidence the nation has placed in you,” he added.

Mr Nafiu admonished Corps members to be security-conscious both inside and outside camp, urging them to avoid night journeys and remain vigilant in their host communities and places of primary assignment.

“Take responsibility for your personal security. Avoid night travels, avoid unnecessary movements, and be vigilant wherever you are posted,” he warned.

He also urged them to avoid the spread of misinformation.

“Always get the correct information and establish facts before circulating anything on social media,” he said.

The NYSC boss advised corps members to abstain from cultism, cybercrime, thuggery and other social vices, emphasising that such behaviours could jeopardize their safety and future.

In a show of encouragement, Mr Nafiu celebrated corps members whose birthdays coincided with his visit, presenting them with a cake.

He also rewarded several camp groups, including the cultural troupe, band, martial arts team, quarter guard, chair ladies, overall lparade commander, and the three corps camp directors, with tokens of appreciation.

Earlier, Edo coordinator of the scheme, Frances Ben-Ushie, assured the director-general that corps members were “in high spirits, disciplined, well-behaved and fully engaged in all camp activities.”

She expressed gratitude to the NYSC management for supporting camp operations.

She thanked the NYSC boss for the visit, describing it as “highly inspiring and motivating.”

The visit is part of the DG’s nationwide tour of orientation camps aimed at strengthening compliance, boosting morale and ensuring the welfare and safety of Corps members across the country. 

(NAN)