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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and stakeholders across the country have reaffirmed the critical role of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in promoting national unity, integrity and youth development as the scheme marked its 53rd anniversary.
Speaking during the anniversary celebration held in Lagos, Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, reiterated the commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the NYSC in advancing anti-corruption education and responsible citizenship among Nigerian youths.
Represented by Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Babatunde Sulaiman, Olukoyede described the NYSC as one of Nigeria’s enduring nation-building institutions that has continued to promote patriotism, discipline and peaceful coexistence among young graduates for over five decades.
According to him, the scheme has consistently bridged ethnic, religious and cultural divides while nurturing generations of youths committed to national development.
“The fight against corruption, cybercrime, economic sabotage and other financial crimes cannot be left to the EFCC alone.
“It requires the collective efforts of patriotic Nigerians, especially young people who represent the future of the country,” he said.
Olukoyede noted that the partnership between the EFCC and the NYSC reflected a shared commitment to building a society founded on integrity, transparency and accountability.
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He added that anti-corruption advocacy programmes involving corps members had helped position them as ambassadors of ethical values and agents of positive change in their communities.
The EFCC chairman also urged corps members to reject internet fraud and other criminal activities capable of damaging the country’s image.
“True success is built on integrity, not shortcuts,” he stressed.
Earlier, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Christiana Salmwang, reflected on the history of the scheme, describing it as a national response to the divisions created by the civil war.
“Fifty-three years ago, Nigeria chose to build bridges instead of barriers, and that vision gave birth to the NYSC,” she said.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs Efeke Dadaza, described the scheme as a major force for national integration and development in Nigeria.
Speaking during the anniversary celebration in Kaduna, Dadaza said the scheme was established after the Nigerian Civil War to foster reconciliation and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
According to her, the NYSC has grown from mobilising fewer than 2,000 corps members in 1973 to over 300,000 annually across the federation.
She said the scheme had evolved into a respected institution contributing significantly to education, healthcare delivery, rural development, entrepreneurship and electoral services.
“If the NYSC were a human being at 53, it would already be a parent or grandparent considering the millions of young Nigerians it has mentored and mobilised over the years,” she said.
Dadaza commended corps members and staff for their sacrifices and commitment despite the challenges confronting the scheme, while urging them to continue promoting peace, patriotism and discipline.
