NYSC DG Olakunle Nafiu Urges Corps Members to Counter Misinformation for 2027

Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has issued a stern warning to corps members regarding the indiscriminate sharing of information on social media platforms. He emphasized the critical need for verification before reposting any content, particularly as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections.

The NYSC boss delivered this admonition on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina State. Nafiu implored the young graduates to cultivate strong critical thinking abilities, ensuring the authenticity of any information they encounter online before sharing or commenting. He highlighted their crucial role in combating the spread of false and manipulated content, thereby safeguarding society from its detrimental effects.

"Do not believe everything you see on social media. Before you share, think through it. Check the picture and ask when it was first taken and whether there has been any manipulation," Nafiu advised. He pointed out instances where old photographs and videos were deceptively presented as recent events involving the NYSC scheme, leading the public astray. The Director-General further cautioned corps members to be especially wary of artificial intelligence-generated and digitally altered content, acknowledging the increasing difficulty in distinguishing genuine material from fabricated ones due to technological advancements.

Nafiu underscored that the orientation programme extends beyond instilling discipline and teamwork; it also aims to equip corps members to become responsible citizens capable of making informed decisions. He reminded them of the explicit prohibition against engaging in partisan political activities during their national service, specifically forbidding the use of social media to campaign for political parties or interests. "As corps members, you are not permitted to campaign for anyone. Don’t use your social media handle to promote any political parties or political interests," he reiterated.

The DG also revealed the likelihood of corps members serving as ad hoc personnel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections. He framed this assignment as a significant opportunity for them to contribute to the conduct of credible, free, and fair elections, thereby strengthening Nigeria's democratic framework. "You contribute better to democracy if you make yourself available to help deliver a credible, free and fair election as ad hoc staff. You facilitate hundreds and thousands of people safely casting their ballots rather than you going to cast one yourself," Nafiu explained.

He clarified that while an individual corps member's personal vote counts as just one ballot, their participation as an electoral official could empower thousands of Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to vote. "Your ballot is just one, but doing that assignment will help hundreds and thousands to fulfil their constitutional mandate," he noted. Nafiu concluded by urging corps members to maintain political neutrality, discipline, and responsibility throughout their service year, emphasizing their vital contribution to national development. He also encouraged them to leverage the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, stating that acquiring additional skills would bolster their capacity for success in the contemporary economy. He reminded them to use their education and skills responsibly, given the nation's substantial investment in their upbringing and the expectation of meaningful societal contributions.