Ahead of next year’s general election, corps members in Katsina State have been called upon to remain neutral and apolitical by shunning support for poltical parties during their service year.

The Director, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) North-West Area Office, Mrs Bamai Mercy-Dawuda, made the call yesterday when she visited the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Katsina State.

Mercy-Dawuda, who was there to inspect facilities and interact with corps members participating in the 2026 Batch C Stream I orientation exercise, said corps members are not supposed to show support for any poltical party while undergoing their mandatory one-year service.
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Rather, she said, corps members’ are to be guided by NYSC rules and regulations, even as she called on them to familiarise themselves with the publications and service guide provided at the camp to understand the rules and regulations governing the scheme.
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While congratulating them on their successful mobilization into the scheme on behalf of the Director-General of the NYSC, she emphasised the importance of discipline and urged the corps members to maintain good conduct throughout their one-year mandatory national service.

She warned that their activities would be monitored daily, weekly and monthly, even as she advised them to comply with NYSC rules and regulations to avoid sanctions, including extension of service.
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Mercy-Dawuda also encouraged corps members to learn the language of the immediate environment to enhance communication and integration into their host communities.

She urged them to participate actively in Community Development Service (CDS) by identifying local challenges and working with community members to develop practical solutions.
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‎The director further encouraged them to take advantage of the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire relevant vocational and entrepreneurial skills that would promote self-reliance and prepare them for life after service.
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‎She called on the corps members to uphold discipline and demonstrate responsible conduct wherever they find themselves, even as she commended camp officials for their hospitality and cooperation during her visit.

On his part, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mr Evans Okwor, while welcomed the visiting director, presented an overview of camp activities since commencement of the orientation exercise, highlighting security arrangements, the SAED programme, and healthcare facilities.
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‎Okwor commended the corps members for their positive attitude towards camp activities, even as he appreciated the NYSC management for its continued commitment to the success of the scheme and the welfare of corps members.