The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the media in strengthening national unity, promoting youth empowerment and enhancing accurate reportage of its activities. This position was made clear during a courtesy visit by the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Abuja.
In his welcome remarks, the NYSC Director-General represented the Director of Media at NYSC, Mr Emeka Rems Mgbemena, and underscored the central role of communication in supporting the scheme’s mandate. He noted that the NYSC operates a television station, radio platform and quarterly publications, with many of its media personnel already members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. According to him, constructive engagement and honest feedback from journalists are essential for institutional growth.
Mr Mgbemena, who traced the historical foundation of the scheme to Nigeria’s post-civil war nation-building efforts, emphasised that the NYSC remains a “strategic national asset” designed to foster unity, cultural understanding and youth empowerment. He explained that the scheme has evolved to become a major platform for nurturing entrepreneurs and equipping young Nigerians with skills that contribute to the country’s economic development.
He called on the media to continue promoting values that enhance national cohesion, while discouraging divisive narratives and stereotypes. He also assured that the NYSC leadership, led by the Director-General, Brig.General Nafiu Olayinka remains media-friendly, accessible and committed to transparency.
Also speaking, the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Caroline Embu, appealed to journalists to always verify information about the scheme before publication. She stressed that balanced reporting is essential to safeguarding the credibility of the NYSC and preventing the spread of misinformation. Mrs Embu pledged that the Corps would continue to maintain an open-door policy and strengthen communication with media organisations.
Earlier, the Chairman of ACOE, Comrade Sola Akingboye, expressed appreciation for the warm reception and reiterated the association’s desire to deepen partnerships with the NYSC. He described the visit as part of efforts to foster stronger collaboration with institutions that contribute significantly to national development.
ACOE Chairman commended NYSC’s cardinal objectives fostering national unity, cultural integration, discipline and youth empowerment and praised the leadership of Director‑General Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu for promoting transparency and youth welfare since taking office in March.
He highlighted ACOE’s capacity to shape digital narratives, urged a “mutually beneficial media relationship” that would amplify the Corps’ nation‑building agenda.
He expressed confidence that the partnership would further cement ties between both organisations.
The visit ended with mutual assurances of continued cooperation as both institutions work toward shared objectives of youth development, national integration and responsible journalism.
Senior NYSC management officials were present at the meeting, including the Director of Media, Mr. Emeka Rems Mgbemena; the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Caroline Embu; and other top officials of the scheme. The ACOE delegation comprised members of the investiture planning committee and executives of the association.
