Respect Local Customs, NYSC DG Advises Corps Members

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has issued a strong directive to corps members to accord the highest respect to the customs and traditions of their host communities. The DG gave this advice during his official visit to the orientation camps in Ogun and Oyo states, where he addressed the 2026 Batch 'A' Stream One corps members. He noted that successful integration into these communities relies heavily on the corps members' ability to understand, appreciate, and abide by local norms.

Brigadier General Nafiu emphasized that the service year is not just about professional development but also about fostering national unity through cultural exchange. He urged the youths to be good ambassadors of the scheme by maintaining high ethical standards. "When you are posted to your place of primary assignment, respect their rules, be punctual, be resourceful, and learn the culture of the organization you are posted to," the DG stated. He highlighted that building positive relationships with locals is a key safety strategy and an essential part of the NYSC mandate.

In addition to cultural sensitivity, the Director-General advised the corps members on the importance of financial discipline. He urged them to manage their allowances and other resources wisely, warning that extravagant spending could lead to unnecessary hardship. Nafiu stressed that developing a habit of prudence now would serve them well in their future endeavors, particularly in an economic climate that requires astute financial planning.

During the visit, Mrs. Olayinka Nasamu, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, reported that 3,341 corps members had been registered in the camp, including 975 who were originally deployed to Lagos State. She commended the corps members for their adaptation to the regimented camp life and praised the camp officials for their synergy and diligence. Similarly, in Oyo State, the Coordinator, Mr. Kayode Ola-Peters, lauded the 3,068 registered corps members for their exemplary character and readiness to contribute to national development across various sectors.

The 2026 Batch 'A' Stream I Orientation Course, which commenced nationwide on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, is scheduled to conclude with a closing ceremony on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The DG’s tour is part of his routine engagement to ensure that camp facilities are adequate and that the welfare of the corps members is being prioritized by state coordinators.