NYSC DG reads riot act to information officers

From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has challenged the scheme’s Information Officers across the country on the importance of creativity, ingenuity, and collaboration in shaping the next phase of the scheme’s communication strategy.

The DG spoke at the opening of the 2025 Combined Workshop for Information, Protocol, FOI, and Media Officers, held in Abuja.

He said that the scheme is ready to unveil a new communication strategy designed to strengthen its public image and deepen engagement with key stakeholders across the country.

Themed “Building Capacity of NYSC Public Relations Officers for Strategic Communication and Reputation Management,” the workshop brought together communication officers from all NYSC state chapters to brainstorm on the innovative approaches to improving the scheme’s visibility and public trust.

Brig. Gen. Nafiu further emphasized: “We must evolve beyond routine publicity to strategic communication. Our focus should be on perception management, image building, and relationship management. The strategy must come from you — the Public Relations Officers — while Directors should ensure it aligns with the NYSC Act.”

The DG further directed the Press and Public Relations Department to create an interactive online platform where Prospective Corps Members (PCMs) can engage directly with the scheme to resolve registration challenges.

“Our portal is not interactive enough,” he said, adding: “I want the Director to dedicate two hours to interact with PCMs and address their concerns in real time.”

In his remarks, Director of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Emeka Mgbemena, commended the officers for their commitment to projecting the NYSC’s image, noting that their work across traditional and digital media has kept the scheme visible and respected.

He said: “These trainings have enhanced our professionalism and deepened our understanding of corporate communication. Your dedication at both state and national levels continues to sustain NYSC’s positive image, and your efforts are sincerely appreciated.”