The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of a serving corps member, Miss Lovina Ajegena Bamaiyi, who passed away in Borno State.
In a condolence message addressed to corps members, her family, and residents of the state, Nafiu described the loss as painful and irreplaceable. He extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and the entire NYSC community, noting that Lovina’s dedication, good conduct, and strong spirit of service would be greatly missed.
The NYSC boss disclosed that Lovina died on Monday, April 27, 2026, at about 6:18 p.m. at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where she had been receiving treatment after falling ill shortly after arriving for orientation camp activities.
He praised her as a committed young Nigerian who answered the call to national service with courage and patriotism, adding that her passing has created a painful vacuum among her colleagues and within the NYSC family.
Similarly, the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, also mourned the late corps member, describing her as a determined and resilient young woman who remained committed to her goals despite health challenges.
Governor Zulum noted that Lovina had a strong passion for education, having obtained a National Diploma between 2019 and 2020 and later a Higher National Diploma between 2023 and 2024 in Business Administration and Management from Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic.
According to the governor, she was deployed to Borno State as part of the 2026 Batch A2 for national service. However, shortly after arriving at the orientation camp on April 22, she fell ill and was rushed to the hospital, where she later died.
Zulum described her as a patriotic Nigerian who accepted her national assignment despite being a diabetic patient, adding that her sacrifice and contributions would remain in the hearts of those who knew her.
“Her death is a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the courage of young Nigerians who continue to serve the nation selflessly,” the governor said, while praying for the peaceful repose of her soul.
Miss Bamaiyi was laid to rest today in her country home in Sabon Pegi, Shabu, Lafia, Nasarawa State, amid tears and tributes from family, friends, and members of the NYSC community.
At the burial ceremony, the Nasarawa State NYSC Coordinator was represented by Dr. Setka Walbe, Assistant Director, Corps Inspection and Monitoring. Other officials in attendance included Mr. Jack I., NYSC Local Government Inspector for Lafia Municipal; Mr. Umoh Nsisong of Corps Welfare and Health Services; and Mr. Dauda Dodo Dantala, Local Government Inspector for Lafia North.
Also present was a member of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly representing Lafia North Barr.Mairiga Esson , who commended the corps members from the area for their solidarity and support. In appreciation, the lawmaker gifted them the sum of fifty thousand naira to provide refreshments during the ceremony.
Lovina’s academic journey reflected her determination to succeed. She studied Business Administration and Management at Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, where she earned both her National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.
Before her untimely death, she worked at Godswill Academy Nursery and Primary School in Lafia, Nasarawa State, serving as an Assistant Cashier from 2017 to 2020 and later as a Cashier from 2021 until her passing.
She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Rebecca Namo; stepmother, Mrs. Grace Bamaiyi; and several siblings, including Mrs. Juliana Abari, Mrs. Hassana Bamaiyi, Mrs. Linda Joseph, Miss Deborah A. Bamaiyi, Akolo Bamaiyi, and Patience A. Bamaiyi.
The NYSC and the Borno State Government called on corps members and the public to honour her memory by upholding the values of service, dedication, and unity that she exemplified in her short but impactful life.
