The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has revealed its plan to deploy 200,000 corps members to help ensure that the 2023 presidential and National Assembly elections run smoothly. Brigadier General Yushau Dogara Ahmed, who oversees the NYSC, made the announcement during a press briefing at the Scheme's headquarters in Abuja.
Ahmed noted that the NYSC is working in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety of all corps members during the elections. Despite this, he cautioned corps members not to accept anything from politicians, including food, before, during, or after the elections.
The Director-General emphasized the importance of the security of corps members during the elections, saying, "What is fundamental for me to also mention is the security of these Corps members." He added that the NYSC would work to ensure the well-being and protection of all corps members deployed for the elections.
The deployment of 200,000 corps members for the elections is a significant undertaking, and the NYSC's efforts are crucial in ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and credible. The involvement of young people in the electoral process is also essential for promoting civic engagement and good governance.
“Since I took over, I have met with the IG of Police, the DSS, I have met with the NSCDC, I have equally met with the INEC, and every hand is on deck to ensure that the Corps members are secured.
“We were assured by INEC that they will carry these Corps members to their respective places of assignment and bring them back safely from wherever they are picking them from.
“As for the welfare of these corps members, INEC has promised to provide them with sleeping kits and whatever they need for the elections.
“What I want to warn corps members about is that they should be careful in whatever environment they find themselves in. They should not accept any gift from any politician. They must not accept any food from anybody.
“As they go, they should carry at least their service support. Any form of gratification or gifts, we don’t expect any corps member to accept,” he said.
Ahmed also said that INEC officials had given the people who were going to vote the skills they needed to run the elections.
“Those participating in this election have already been given proper training. Guidelines have been given to them. They have been told everything they need to know and are ready to do their best.
“Some of them were trained outside the camps while those who just passed out (of the orientation exercise) were trained by INEC officials in the camp,” he noted.