The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has reiterated that all Corps members are covered by a comprehensive insurance package throughout their service year.

Nafiu stated this on Wednesday in Abuja during a visit by the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Jibrin Ndace, noting that the welfare package includes both life insurance and medical care.

He explained that the Federal Government has put in place measures to ensure corps members enjoy a safe and memorable service experience, adding that the scheme also intervenes in cases not covered by health insurance.

The NYSC boss cited past interventions, including the payment of ₦28 million to save the life of a pregnant corps member and her unborn child after a spinal cord injury from a road accident.

He added that ₦33 million for prosthetic arms was provided for another corps member involved in a road crash while travelling to his place of primary assignment.

“Since 2004, every Corps Member has been covered by comprehensive insurance, including health and life insurance. The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) caters for Corps Members whenever they fall ill,” he said.

“From the moment call-up letters are issued—before they even begin their journey from their parents’ homes—they are already covered by insurance,” he added.

Nafiu cautioned against the spread of unverified reports about the scheme, urging journalists to always confirm facts with the NYSC before publication.

He further explained that the scheme’s posting policy is designed to meet national needs, ensuring all states benefit from corps members’ contributions, particularly in healthcare and education.

According to him, corps members’ participation in national assignments such as elections, sensitisation campaigns, and census exercises has been widely commended both locally and internationally.

The NYSC DG also assured that corps members would not be deployed to unsafe areas, stressing that the scheme remains apolitical and non-religious to sustain its role in promoting national unity.

He commended the VON boss for his leadership and efforts in transforming the media landscape through digital innovation, while appreciating the media for its continued support.

Earlier, Ndace congratulated Nafiu on his appointment and praised his leadership style since assuming office.

“General Nafiu has demonstrated a modern leadership style. I commend the NYSC management, as no leader succeeds without the support of their team,” he said.

“At the Voice of Nigeria, our mandate is to project Nigeria’s image, perspectives, and values to the global community. We currently broadcast in eight Nigerian languages,” he added.

Ndace also reaffirmed VON’s commitment to partnering with NYSC on content development and youth-focused programming, pledging to amplify the activities of corps members and showcase the scheme’s initiatives to a global audience.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has officially declared his support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, widely known as “Yayi” for the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.

Olopade, an illustrious son of Ogun State and former Commissioner for Sports, has begun mobilizing youth across the state to back the senator’s bid to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Speaking in Abeokuta at a special interfaith prayer and declaration of support for the senator, Olopade noted that the administration’s deliberate inclusion of youths reflects a governance philosophy anchored on capacity building, generational transition, and structured opportunities.

He said the approach positions young people not as passive observers but as key drivers of development, adding that Ogun State requires such a leadership framework to sustain and build on the foundation laid by Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Strategy and Policy Development, Abiola Odetola, Olopade urged youths across the state to actively participate in politics, stressing that engagement is crucial to shaping the country’s future.

He identified a gap in the transition of young people from grassroots participation to higher leadership roles, expressing confidence that Adeola would replicate Tinubu’s empowerment model in Ogun State to ensure continuity and stability.

“Young people must not only be interested but actively involved in the political process. They must take centre stage with their ideas and intellect to drive positive change and good governance,” he said.

Olopade added that Tinubu’s leadership style—rooted in selfless service and compassionate governance—makes Adeola’s ambition a cause worthy of support among youths in Ogun State and beyond.

The event, organised by the Yayi Youth Vanguard under the theme “Consolidating a Brighter Future for Ogun Youth: Inclusiveness in Politics and Governance,” drew thousands of youths from the three senatorial districts.

Convener of the group, Olamide Lawal, said the initiative was aimed at awakening political consciousness among young people, stressing that active participation is key to influencing governance and development at the grassroots.

He urged youths to shun political apathy, noting that failure to engage strips them of the moral right to criticise poor governance.

Also speaking, Ogun State House of Assembly member representing Ipokia Constituency, Bisi Oyedele, described Adeola as a unifying figure in the push for Ogun West to produce the state’s next governor.

“As we approach 2027, Senator Adeola remains the face of Ogun West’s governorship aspiration. His track record and capacity for leadership are evident,” Oyedele said, citing his infrastructural projects across the district.

In his keynote address, Pastor Abiodun Sanyaolu emphasised the decisive role of youths in electoral outcomes, urging greater mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

While acknowledging other aspirants within the APC, Sanyaolu maintained that Adeola stands out as the most suitable candidate to succeed Governor Abiodun.

Earlier, State Coordinator of Yayi Youth Vanguard, Emmanuel Enitan Ojo, described the gathering as a symbol of unity, faith, and commitment to Ogun State’s progress, pledging to take the campaign across the state.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has announced the full restoration of passenger services on the Abuja–Kaduna corridor.

Following Monday’s operational disruption, Dr. Opeifa shared the update via his official X account on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, assuring the public that enhanced safety protocols and improved operational standards are now in place.

“Following the incident on Monday, 16th March 2026, normal train operations have been fully restored through the swift intervention of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

“Passengers can now confidently book tickets, as improved safety and operational measures have been implemented to ensure secure and comfortable journeys.

“We are also pleased to welcome passengers on the AKTS return trip from Rigasa, Kaduna State, yesterday, 17th March 2026, with the support of HRH (Alhaji) Ishaq Ibrahim Tanko, Hakimin Idu District Head, Abuja.

Train services are back to normal — safer and better.”

The NRC boss emphasised that the swift response of the corporation ensured minimal disruption, while reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and service reliability.

The corporation also noted the successful resumption of the AKTS return trip from Rigasa in Kaduna State, signalling a return to normalcy for rail commuters along the corridor.

It was earlier reported that the incident occurred around 9:16 a.m. near Asham Station on a downward section of the Abuja–Kaduna rail line, involving train KA2, which had departed Rigasa and made a scheduled stop at Jere before continuing its journey.

After leaving Jere, where an additional rear locomotive had been attached, the locomotive became detached while the train was moving, rolled forward, and collided with the rear of the train, resulting in a serious operational occurrence.

The train, carrying 429 passengers along with crew and security personnel, recorded no fatalities, though some passengers were injured and received immediate medical attention before the train continued to Idu Station in Abuja.