Eniola Yekini
The Federal Government has approved an increase in the budget for feeding National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members during their orientation course.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while addressing 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream One corps members at the Cross River State Orientation Camp in Obubra.
In a statement signed by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, Nafiu said the Budget Office was aware of the upward review, adding that the increase is expected to take effect next year.
He urged corps members to be prudent in spending, avoid ostentatious lifestyles and cultivate a savings habit.
The DG commended Nigerian youths for their resilience and commitment to national service and advised them to acquire additional skills that would complement their academic qualifications.
“Learn something that will be useful to you, learn cosmetology, learn how to tie gele and others,” he said.
On safety, Nafiu cautioned corps members against night travel and exposing themselves to danger.
He advised them to suspend journeys once it is approaching 6 p.m. and continue the next day, and to avoid sleeping in public places or in large numbers at filling stations.
“Don’t sleep in public places, don’t sleep in filling station in large numbers, people will easily identify you,” he said.
He urged them to seek safety in security establishments when necessary.
“Go to military barracks, police barracks, DSS establishments, and call the NYSC line,” he added.
He said efforts would be intensified to engage stakeholders towards providing and overhauling facilities at the Obubra camp.
Earlier, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs Adejoke Oyenuga, described the DG’s visit as a demonstration of his commitment to corps members’ welfare.
Presenting the camp report, Oyenuga said 1,064 corps members had been registered and had adapted to the regimented camp environment.