The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has expressed concern over the growing trend of corps members being rejected by their assigned places of primary assignment.

Speaking during the 2025 Annual Corps Employers’ Workshop held on Wednesday in Jos, Plateau State, NYSC Director-General Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu—represented by Deputy Director Gbamisola Salami—described the development as troubling.

“Your organisations provide platforms for corps members to apply their skills and gain practical experience. Rejections hinder this objective,” he stated.

Nafiu further highlighted challenges such as delayed or non-application for corps members, inadequate welfare provisions, and reports of inhumane treatment by some employers. He urged organisations to foster supportive environments that encourage corps members’ growth, productivity, and overall well-being.

Plateau State NYSC Coordinator, Jonathan Yavala, emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication between the NYSC and employers. “You are not just supervisors but mentors and partners in nation-building,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Musa Ashoms, called for the creation of inclusive and enabling spaces where corps members can contribute meaningfully to their host communities.

A tragic accident claimed several lives on Sunday evening near the NYSC Orientation Camp along the Wannune-Gboko Road in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

The crash involved a Dangote cement truck and a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said that the Dangote truck, heavily loaded with cement, reportedly veered into the path of the Sienna and struck it head-on. The impact crushed the smaller vehicle, trapping nearly all its occupants.

One of the first responders at the scene shared a deeply emotional account of the rescue efforts:

“It’s something no one should ever see. We managed to force open the doors, and I tried to save the baby first. Sadly, she was already gone, her tiny legs were pinned under the seat. I gently carried her out… my heart was shattered.”

While the Sienna’s driver emerged without serious injuries, several passengers were not as lucky. Two men in the front seat were pinned down, one of them was reportedly still alive and gasping for breath as rescuers tried frantically to reach him. A woman sitting in the middle row died on the spot, her body crushed by the force of the truck’s impact on the right side.

Passengers in the rear seat sustained relatively minor injuries and were quickly evacuated through the vehicle’s windows by good Samaritans.

As the rescue operation progressed, the situation became increasingly tense due to the challenge of accessing those still trapped. According to the witness, a second truck was being arranged to help lift the Dangote vehicle and reach the victims beneath.

“My driver called me to say it was time to go, so I had to leave. But when I did, the two men in front and the deceased woman were still trapped,” the eyewitness explained.

The remains of some victims were later taken to St. Christopher Hospital in Wannune.

As of press time, officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the crash or the exact number of casualties.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced a significant boost in the monthly allowance for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, raising it from N5,000 to N20,000. This 300 percent increase, which took effect following an announcement at the State Delivery Meeting in Uyo, is part of broader efforts to support young Nigerians serving in the state and improve their welfare.

The new state allowance, combined with the federal government’s recent increase to N77,000, brings the total monthly pay for corps members in Akwa Ibom to N97,000—surpassing the state’s current N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

Governor Eno stated that the decision was in recognition of the corps members’ contributions to the state’s development and in line with his administration’s commitment to encouraging and supporting young professionals. “Over 10,000 corps members are posted to Akwa Ibom annually. We must continue to encourage and support them,” he said, according to a statement posted on the state government’s official Facebook page.

In addition to the allowance hike, the governor has also approved the reconstruction of the NYSC Orientation Camp located at Ikot Itie Udung in Nsit Atai Local Government Area. This, he said, is part of the administration’s wider initiative to upgrade infrastructure and enhance the living conditions of corps members during their service year.

The NYSC scheme, a one-year mandatory service for Nigerian graduates, is backed by federal law and designed to promote national integration. Over the years, the federal government has progressively increased the allowance paid to corps members—from N19,800 to N33,000 and now to N77,000 as of March this year, following last year’s approval.

Akwa Ibom’s latest move positions it among the top states in terms of corps member welfare, offering a combined monthly pay that sets a new standard for both public and private employers engaging youth corps members.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on young Nigerians to leverage entrepreneurship as the most effective way to tackle the nation’s rising unemployment, declaring that self-reliance and innovation are critical to turning today’s graduates into tomorrow’s wealth creators.

Speaking on Tuesday at the official closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Course in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, represented by Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, urged the nearly 8,000 corps members deployed to Lagos to take seriously the skills and business training they received during camp.

“We all know that unemployment remains a major challenge in our nation today, and the most effective antidote is entrepreneurship development, which will not only make you self-reliant but also turn you into wealth creators and employers of labour,” the Governor said.

He noted that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, a core component of NYSC orientation, was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical tools to start their own enterprises, access funding opportunities, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Sanwo-Olu, who described the Lagos State Government as “youth-promoting,” restated his administration’s commitment to supporting enterprising corps members. He pledged that exceptional performance during service would continue to be recognized and rewarded.

“Although this selfless commitment may not immediately yield visible rewards, it will provide you with the requisite experience to face future challenges,” he told the graduating corps members. “Increase your visibility by proactively engaging in thoughts and actions that will create a pathway to greatness.”

Earlier, the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang lauded the corps members for demonstrating discipline, patriotism, and readiness to serve across the state’s twenty local government areas. She confirmed that the orientation had trained participants not only in civic responsibility and leadership but also in entrepreneurial skills that could transform their career prospects.

“You have been equipped with diverse skills, from professional training to entrepreneurship, and I urge you to apply these in improving the lives of those in your host communities,” she said.

Mrs. Salmwang also warned corps members against the misuse of social media, emphasizing that their focus should remain on contributing positively to national development.

The event marked the end of a three-week intensive orientation course that combined military drills, civic education, and entrepreneurship workshops. The corps members will now proceed to their primary assignments across Lagos and other adjoining states.

The closing ceremony also featured the presentation of a commendation letter to the State Coordinator by the Director of the Southwest Area Office 2, Mrs. Fransscica Olaleye, as well as to other deserving corps members and staff.

Sanwo-Olu concluded his address by formally declaring the orientation course closed and wishing the participants a successful and impactful service year.

The Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellow Membership Recognition by the Institute of Professional Entrepreneurship Development Nigeria.

The award, which comes with the title of Fellow Professional Entrepreneurship Developer (FPED), was presented to Mrs. Salmwang in recognition of her outstanding contributions to promoting entrepreneurship and empowering Nigerian youths.

According to the Institute, Mrs. Salmwang has played a pivotal role in training Corps members in various entrepreneurial skills, equipping them to become self-reliant, generate wealth, and create employment opportunities for others.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Salmwang expressed profound gratitude for the honour. She reaffirmed her commitment to youth development, stressing the importance of skill acquisition as a pathway to financial independence. She also encouraged Corps members to take full advantage of training programmes offered during their service year to attain economic self-sufficiency.

The 2025 Batch “A” Stream II Cultural Carnival of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was held at the Lagos Orientation Camp, attracting traditional leaders, guests, and hundreds of corps members in a vibrant celebration of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

His Royal Majesty Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, Kusenla III, the Oba of Ikate Land, attended the event in the company of his Council of Baales and White Cap Chiefs. Their presence added a touch of prestige and underscored the importance of cultural promotion in fostering unity.

The carnival featured competitive performances by ten platoons, each showcasing the customs and traditions of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. After a series of colourful presentations, the Chief Judge, Mr. Steph Ogundele, a former Deputy President of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Art Practitioners, announced the results. Platoon 4 secured first place with their depiction of Ibibio culture from the South-South region. Platoon 9 took second with a performance of Tsa Utu from North-Central Nigeria, while Platoon 5 finished third by presenting Oghene traditions from the South-East.

During the event, Oba Elegushi, who completed his own national service in Edo State, called attention to the role of cultural heritage in building mutual respect and a sense of national purpose. The monarch urged corps members to embrace the nation’s diversity as a source of strength.

The Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, emphasized that cultural appreciation remains one of the pillars of the scheme and a vital means of strengthening social bonds among Nigerians.

Other dignitaries in attendance included the Eletu of Ikate Kingdom, the Aro-Oba of Ikate Kingdom, the Olowa of Ikate, and Prince Nasiru Elegushi, Chairman of the Elegushi Descendants Union.

The event concluded with music, dance, and widespread celebration as corps members and guests marked the occasion as a showcase of Nigeria’s enduring cultural wealth and unity.

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Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has reaffirmed the scheme’s commitment to fostering unity in diversity, cultural integration, and national development.

He emphasized these core values during an official visit to the Lagos Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja as part of his nationwide tour.

During the visit, Nafiu addressed corps members on the importance of embracing tolerance, mutual respect, and civic responsibility throughout their service year. He described the NYSC as a platform for strengthening national cohesion and bridging cultural divides among young Nigerians.

The Director General also encouraged corps members to actively engage in Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes, adopt prudent financial habits, and make intentional lifestyle choices aligned with their personal and professional goals. He advised them to maintain responsible social media practices and respect workplace cultures and diverse perspectives during their postings.

Earlier, the Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, presented a comprehensive report on camp activities, highlighting the dedication of corps members to all programmes and their strong participation in fostering unity. She noted that the current orientation course had been marked by enthusiasm and discipline.

As part of the visit, Nafiu commissioned a new badminton court aimed at improving recreational facilities within the camp. He also donated two cows to support corps members’ welfare and presented tokens to individuals who delivered outstanding presentations.

The event concluded with a celebration for corps members born in June, who received words of encouragement and recognition. Additionally, the first corps member to complete registration at the camp was formally acknowledged.

Corps members at the NYSC Lagos Orientation Camp have been encouraged to start building sustainable businesses that will thrive beyond their service year.

Mr. Johnbosco Idoko from the Bank of Industry (BOI) emphasized the importance of long-term entrepreneurship, outlining funding opportunities such as the ₦5 billion Jobs and Enterprise Fund (JEF), which offers interest-free loans, and the ₦75 billion MSME Intervention Fund to support small enterprises. He stressed that early planning and commitment are essential for success after the NYSC programme.

Dr. Mary Egama of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a ₦5 billion grant created in partnership with SMEDAN to empower student entrepreneurs. She explained the bank’s shift towards advisory support and easier access to credit, urging corps members to leverage credible financial institutions to turn their ideas into viable businesses.

Mrs. Khadijah Abdul-Salam of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) highlighted the importance of registering businesses legally. She introduced the CAC’s online registration portal, explaining that formal registration not only grants legitimacy but also unlocks funding opportunities and supports long-term growth.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has urged corps members of the 2025 Batch A Stream II at the NYSC Lagos Orientation Camp to be wary of irregular migration practices.

Speaking during an enlightenment session, Assistant Inspector of Immigration, Mr. Muritala H. O, emphasized the importance of making informed decisions when seeking opportunities abroad. He advised corps members to avoid desperate moves associated with the popular “Japa” trend, which often leads many into unsafe migration routes.

Mr. Muritala warned against patronizing unverified travel agents and stressed that corps members should consult only recognized immigration authorities when processing travel documents. According to him, responsible migration begins with adherence to legal procedures and access to accurate information.

The NIS official further urged corps members to remain patriotic, reminding them that safety and legality must not be compromised in pursuit of foreign opportunities.