By Patrick Obia
On October 11, 2026, the Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, visited the Obubra Camp in Cross River State, while 1,064 Batch C Stream I corps members were already registered and participating in the orientation exercise.
During the visit, the DG acknowledged the camp’s infrastructure problems and said NYSC would intensify engagement with stakeholders toward providing and overhauling facilities.
His observations have raised public concerns about the safety, welfare and security of Corp members in the camp.
However, at the time of filing this report, there is no public statement from the NYSC or from the DG either could CrossRiverWatch independently verify claims that “NYSC suspends deployment to Cross River State for Batch C Stream II” as reported in some quarters. Though CrossRiverWatch investigation is ongoing to ascertain the statement.
NYSC had announced on October 2 that the 2026 Batch C Stream II Orientation Course would commence on November 4, 2026, and stated that the exercise would be conducted in all 36 states and the FCT.
Finding from Cross River’s own budget documentation includes a project titled “Rehabilitation of NYSC orientation camp in Obubra.” The document records N20 million in the 2025 budget and N2.85 million year-to-date performance as of Q2.
Corps Members To Enjoy Enhanced Feeding – DG
As part of efforts towards improving the welfare of Corps Members, the Federal Government has approved an increase in the budget for feeding Corps Members during their orientation course.
Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed this while interacting with the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream One Corps Members at the Cross River State NYSC Orientation Camp in Obubra.
He said the budget office is aware of the upward review, adding that the review is expected to take effect next year.
General Nafiu implored the Corps Members to be prudent in their spending, avoid ostentatious lifestyles and cultivate the savings habit.
He commended the resilience and never-die spirit of the Nigerian youths towards national service.
General Nafiu advised the Corps Members not to expose themselves to danger while travelling but break their journey if it get to 6pm, and continue the following day.
“Don’t sleep in public places, don’t sleep in filling stations in large numbers, people will easily identify you”.
“Go to military barracks, police barracks, DSS establishments, and call the NYSC line,” he said.
He added that efforts would be stepped up on stakeholders’ engagement towards the provision and overhauling of facilities at the Obubra Orientation Camp.
He urged them to add value to their certificates by learning skills that would be useful to them now and later in life.
In his words, “Learn something that will be useful to you, learn cosmetology, learn how to tie gele and others.”
While presenting the camp situation report, the NYSC Cross River State Coordinator, Mrs. Adejoke Oyenuga described the Director General’s visit as a clear demonstration of his commitment to the welfare of Corps Members.
She disclosed that 1,064 Corps Members were registered in the camp, adding that the Corps Members have all adapted to the regimented camp environment.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this