The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members to verify information before sharing it on social media, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu made the call on Wednesday while speaking with corps members during an inspection visit to the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina State.
He warned that the rapid spread of false and manipulated information could mislead the public and undermine society, urging corps members to develop critical thinking and verify the authenticity of online content.
“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 cited instances where old photographs and videos had been circulated as though they were recent events involving the scheme, describing such practices as capable of misleading members of the public.
He also advised corps members to be cautious of content generated or altered using artificial intelligence, noting that technological advances had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine material from fabricated content.
Nafiu said corps members would have an important role to play in the 2027 elections, as they were likely to be deployed by the Independent National Electoral Commission as ad hoc personnel.
According to him, serving as election officials would provide corps members with an opportunity to contribute to credible, free and fair elections.
“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,” he stated.
He further reminded the corps members that participation in partisan political activities was prohibited during national service.
“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 warned.
The director-general urged the corps members to remain politically neutral, disciplined and responsible throughout their service year.
He also encouraged them to participate actively in the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, saying additional skills would enhance their ability to succeed in the modern economy.
Nafiu said the government had invested substantially in educating young Nigerians and expected them to use their knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to national development.
