The NYSC boss gave the charge while addressing the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two corps members at the NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Imo States.
By Mmesoma Onwuka
365Daily – The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members to develop sound financial habits, acquire income-generating skills and embrace entrepreneurship to improve their economic independence.
Nafiu said disciplined financial management, coupled with skills development, could help young Nigerians reduce financial pressure, build sustainable livelihoods and create opportunities for others.
The NYSC boss gave the charge while addressing the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream Two corps members at the NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Imo States.
He advised corps members to avoid impulse buying and unnecessary expenditure, urging them to make saving and financial planning part of their daily lives.
“Financial discipline is critical to achieving stability and independence. You must learn to moderate your expectations, avoid unnecessary expenses and develop the habit of saving,” he said.
Nafiu also urged the corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills that could complement their academic qualifications.
He said relying solely on academic certificates might not be sufficient in a competitive economy, stressing the need for young people to develop skills capable of generating income.
“You should not limit yourselves to your academic qualifications. Use the opportunity provided by SAED to acquire additional skills that can make you financially independent and enable you to create jobs for others,” Nafiu said.
The Director-General further encouraged the corps members to explore entrepreneurship and build business networks and meaningful relationships that could remain valuable beyond the mandatory national service year.
He also advised them to prioritise their safety by avoiding unauthorised journeys and night travel.
“Whenever you need to travel, obtain the necessary permission from NYSC. Avoid travelling at night and do not undertake journeys that could expose you to unnecessary risks,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Mr Yunusa Tanimu, disclosed that 1,731 corps members had been registered in the state, comprising 750 males and 981 females.
Tanimu said the corps members had remained disciplined and adapted well to the regimented camp environment since their arrival.
He added that activities at the camp had progressed smoothly, with corps members and officials participating actively in the various programmes.
The coordinator also commended the Abia State Government for its continued support for the NYSC and its activities in the state.