The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Olakunle Nafiu, has reassured Nigerians that all corps members are fully protected under a comprehensive insurance scheme throughout their service year.
He made this known during a visit by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, in Abuja.
Full Insurance Coverage from Day One
According to Nafiu, corps members enjoy both life insurance and healthcare coverage, ensuring their safety and well-being from the moment they receive their call-up letters.
“Even before they leave their homes for camp, they are already covered,” he emphasized.
The scheme works in partnership with the National Health Insurance Authority, which provides medical care whenever corps members fall ill during their service year.
Going Beyond Insurance: Life-Saving Interventions
Beyond standard insurance coverage, the NYSC has also stepped in to support critical medical cases.
Nafiu highlighted remarkable interventions, including:
- ₦28 million spent to save a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after a spinal injury
- ₦33 million provided for prosthetic arms for another corps member injured in a road accident
These cases, he noted, demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring corps members are not left stranded in emergencies.
Safety and Welfare Remain a Priority
The NYSC DG assured that corps members are not deployed to unsafe areas, reinforcing the scheme’s commitment to safety.
He also stressed that the NYSC remains:
- Apolitical
- Non-religious
- Focused on promoting national unity
Additionally, corps members continue to play vital roles in national development through assignments such as:
- Elections
- Public sensitisation campaigns
- Census exercises
Media Partnership to Amplify NYSC Impact
Speaking during the visit, Jibrin Ndace praised Nafiu’s leadership and reaffirmed the commitment of Voice of Nigeria to collaborate with NYSC.
He noted that VON, which broadcasts in multiple Nigerian languages, will continue to project the activities and achievements of corps members to a global audience.
A Call for Responsible Reporting
Nafiu also urged journalists to verify information before publication, cautioning against the spread of misinformation about the scheme.
The Big Picture
With comprehensive insurance coverage, medical support, and safety measures in place, the NYSC continues to position itself as a cornerstone of youth development and national integration in Nigeria.
For millions of young Nigerians, the message is clear: your service year comes with protection, support, and purpose.
