The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig-Gen Olakunle Nafiu, has warned corps members against blindly sharing information on social media, urging them to verify content before reposting, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu gave the warning while addressing corps members during an inspection visit to the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina State.
He urged the corps members to develop critical thinking skills and confirm the authenticity of information before sharing or commenting on social media.
“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,” he said.
The NYSC boss said corps members had an important role to play in combating misinformation and protecting the public from the harmful effects of false and manipulated content.
He cited the circulation of old photographs and videos falsely presented as recent incidents involving the NYSC as examples of how misinformation could mislead the public.
Nafiu also warned corps members to be cautious about artificial intelligence-generated and digitally manipulated content, noting that advances in technology had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine information from fabricated material.
Corps Members Must Avoid Partisan Politics
The NYSC DG reminded corps members that they were prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities during their service year.
He specifically warned them against using their social media platforms to campaign for political parties or promote political 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,” Nafiu said.
He said the orientation programme was designed not only to instil discipline and teamwork but also to prepare corps members to become responsible citizens capable of making informed decisions.
Corps Members May Serve As INEC Ad Hoc Staff
Nafiu further disclosed that corps members were likely to be deployed as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the 2027 general elections.
He described the potential assignment as an opportunity for corps members to contribute to credible, free and fair elections and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
“You contribute better to democracy if you make yourself available to help deliver a credible, free and fair election as ad hoc staff,” he said.
“Your ballot is just one, but doing that assignment will help hundreds and thousands to fulfil their constitutional mandate,” he added.
Nafiu urged corps members to remain politically neutral, disciplined and responsible throughout their service year.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, saying additional skills would improve their ability to succeed in the modern economy.
The DG said Nigeria had invested significantly in educating young people and expected them to use their knowledge and skills responsibly to contribute meaningfully to national development.
