Governor Oborevwori Warns NYSC Members Against Unnecessary Travel Amid Rising Road Fatalities

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has issued a firm warning to 1,532 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch C Stream 1 members currently undergoing orientation at the Issele-Uku camp, urging them to avoid all forms of non-essential travel during their service year.

The governor’s message, delivered during an official visit to the camp, comes amid mounting concerns over frequent road accidents, which he described as the leading cause of corps member deaths across Nigeria.

Governor Oborevwori emphasized that while the NYSC scheme remains a cornerstone of national unity and development, safety must take precedence over leisure or non-compulsory movements. He highlighted that many tragic incidents involving corps members in recent years stemmed from reckless travel choices, especially on poorly maintained inter-state highways and late-night journeys.

The advisory aligns with NYSC’s longstanding safety protocols, which have been reinforced nationwide following several high-profile accidents involving serving corps members. In Delta State, the governor noted that his administration has undertaken major upgrades at the Issele-Uku orientation camp, addressing issues such as dilapidated internal roads, poor lighting, and inadequate drainage, all aimed at improving living and safety conditions for corps participants.

In his words, “Your lives are precious not only to your families but to the nation. No errand or social trip is worth risking it. Serve diligently, stay vigilant, and return home safely.”

Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) have been divided. Many commenters applauded the governor’s statement as a rare display of practical leadership, commending his efforts to improve camp infrastructure and his straightforward caution against unnecessary risks. Others, however, argued that the warning reflects a deeper failure of state and national authorities to provide secure travel environments, pointing to persistent insecurity, highway banditry, and the country’s deteriorating road network as the real threats to corps members’ safety.

Still, the governor’s remarks have reignited national conversations on the well-being of Nigeria’s youth corps, a demographic often celebrated as the face of service but left vulnerable to systemic lapses. As the Batch C Stream 1 corps members continue their orientation, Delta State’s stance could serve as a model for stricter safety advocacy across other states hosting NYSC camps.

— BusterBlog.com | National Affairs & Public Service