News
NYSC And Purveyors Of Fake News
The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading and alarmist write-up titled “Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits.”
At a time when national security requires responsible communication, it is deeply troubling that such a publication, replete with falsehoods, distortions, and unverified claims, has been disseminated to the public without due diligence.
The narrative not only misrepresents the Scheme’s operations but also attempts to incite fear and undermine public confidence in one of Nigeria’s most critical nation-building institutions.
For the avoidance of doubt, the National Youth Service Corps categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any “ransom clause” in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication of the Scheme. This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.
Furthermore, the Scheme deeply empathises with Mr. Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident, and we share in their concern during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them, and we sincerely hope for his safety and well-being. While this situation is distressing, it is important to clarify that he is not a serving Corps
Member, having completed his national service in 2023. Any attempt to link his situation to the NYSC is therefore inaccurate and a misrepresentation of facts.
The NYSC remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of Corps Members and staff. In demonstration of this commitment, the Scheme has maintained a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, providing life insurance coverage for all Corps Members.
Under this arrangement, all prospective Corps Members who have received their call-up letters, as well as those who have reported to orientation camps, are fully covered.
Notably, this insurance coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, in addition to their enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme.In practical terms, the Scheme has continued to back its commitment with action. Over the last five years alone, NYSC has expended over ₦500 million on urgent medical interventions for Corps Members across the country.
On the issue of security, recognised as a broader national challenge, the NYSC works in close collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises. Corps Members posted to areas assessed as high-risk are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts. This proactive approach has been consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and much earlier in some parts of the North East.
Additionally, in line with its duty of care, the Scheme has taken decisive steps to relocate orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring the protection of both Corps Members and camp officials.
It is instructive to recall the timeless principle of natural justice captured in the Latin maxim audi alteram partem, meaning “hear the other side.”
This fundamental standard appears to have been completely ignored by the author of the referenced publication, who failed to seek clarification from the NYSC before disseminating misleading information to the public.
The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant. As a critical national institution, NYSC advises all stakeholders to fact-check trending information before sharing and to remain conscious of the dangers of circulating unverified content.
The Management of NYSC, therefore, urges media practitioners, stakeholders, and the general public to always verify information from credible sources before publication.
The spread of fake news not only misinforms the public but also undermines national institutions and erodes trust.
NYSC remains committed to its mandate of fostering national unity, youth development, and nation-building, and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Corps Members across the country. Nigeria is ours; Nigeria we serve.
Signed
Management
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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