Over 7,000 Corps Members Serving Safely in Plateau as NYSC DG Hails Army’s Security Support By Raymond Enoch
The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has applauded the Nigerian Army for its sustained commitment to ensuring the safety and security of corps members and NYSC formations across the country, describing the military’s support as vital to the continued success of the Scheme.
General Nafiu made the commendation during a courtesy visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, where he acknowledged the Army’s role in creating a peaceful environment that enables corps members to carry out their national service without disruption.
In a statement made available to the press and signed by Caroline Embu, Director, Information and Public Relations, the NYSC Director General stressed that the Scheme’s operations depend heavily on a secure atmosphere, noting that no organization can effectively discharge its mandate under conditions of insecurity.
According to the statement, Nafiu commended the 3 Division for consistently living up to its responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, revealing that the NYSC has never had to cancel the commencement of an orientation course in any state within the Division’s area of responsibility due to security challenges.
The DG disclosed that more than 7,000 corps members are currently serving in Plateau State, contributing significantly to socio-economic development through their various places of primary assignment in education, healthcare, agriculture and other sectors critical to community growth.
He noted that since its establishment, the NYSC has remained a major instrument for national integration, fostering unity among Nigerians through cultural exchange, inter-tribal relationships and youth empowerment initiatives that continue to strengthen social cohesion across the country.
General Nafiu also highlighted the Scheme’s impact on the health and education sectors through the deployment of corps doctors, nurses, pharmacists and teachers to communities where their services are most needed.
While seeking continued collaboration with the military, he emphasized that the NYSC is implementing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing service delivery nationwide.
Responding, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, commended the NYSC Director General for the achievements recorded since assuming office, describing him as a worthy ambassador of the Nigerian Army.
The GOC also praised the Plateau State Coordinator, members of staff and corps members serving in the state for their dedication and commitment to national service, noting that the impact of the NYSC remains visible in communities across the federation.
“Whether we like it or not, testimonies abound about the positive impact of the NYSC. Keep up the good work, and I am confident you will continue to take the Scheme to greater heights,” Oyinlola stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army to the protection of corps members serving within its operational jurisdiction, assuring that the military would continue to provide the necessary security support required for the Scheme to thrive.
The renewed partnership between the NYSC and the Nigerian Army underscores the importance of security in sustaining one of Nigeria’s foremost youth development and nation-building programmes, especially at a time when corps members continue to play critical roles in advancing development at the grassroots level.
