The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, has urged corps members to play an active role in combating misinformation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Nafiu gave the warning on Wednesday while addressing corps members during an inspection visit to the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Katsina State.
He cautioned them against blindly believing or sharing information on social media, stressing the need to verify the authenticity of content before reposting or commenting on it.
The NYSC boss said corps members, as young and active users of digital platforms, had an important responsibility to prevent the spread of false and manipulated information capable of misleading the public and creating tension in society.
“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,” Nafiu said.
He cited the circulation of old photographs and videos falsely presented as recent incidents involving the NYSC as an example of how misinformation could distort public perception.
Nafiu also warned corps members to be more cautious about artificial intelligence-generated content and other forms of digital manipulation, noting that technological advancement had made it increasingly difficult to distinguish genuine information from fabricated material.
According to him, developing critical thinking and information verification skills is particularly important as the country approaches the 2027 elections, when misleading content could be used to influence voters or create unnecessary tension.
He reminded corps members that they were expected to remain politically neutral throughout their service year and must not use their social media platforms to campaign for political parties or candidates.
“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,” he warned.
Nafiu further disclosed that corps members were likely to be deployed as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission during the 2027 general elections.
He described such participation as an opportunity for corps members to contribute directly to the conduct of credible, free and fair elections and strengthen the country’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. You facilitate hundreds and thousands of people safely casting their ballots rather than you going to cast one yourself,” he said.
The NYSC DG explained that while a corps member’s personal vote represented one ballot, serving as an electoral official could help thousands of Nigerians exercise their constitutional right to vote.
“Your ballot is just one, but doing that assignment will help hundreds and thousands to fulfil their constitutional mandate,” he added.
Nafiu therefore urged the corps members to remain disciplined, politically neutral and responsible, stressing that their role in national development extended beyond the period of their service.
He also encouraged them to take advantage of the NYSC’s Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to acquire additional skills that could improve their employability and prepare them for the modern economy.
The NYSC boss reminded them that the country had invested significantly in educating young Nigerians and expected them to use their knowledge and skills responsibly to contribute meaningfully to national development.
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