Follow Us on Google
From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
The Federal Government has made a passionate appeal to state governors and other stakeholders in the country to provide the needed support that will improve the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, made the plea in his keynote address at the official celebration of the 53rd anniversary of NYSC held in Abuja at the weekend.
Describing the scheme as African largest youth mobilisation platform, the minister argued that the future of Nigeria cannot be discussed without involving the scheme.
In his passionate appeal to state governors to do everything within their powers to support the scheme, he described NYSC as one of Nigeria’s strongest platforms for national integration.
“For over five decades, corps members have served in schools, hospitals, rural communities, farms, public institutions, and private organisations across the country.
“We are calling on all governors and stakeholders to support this scheme because no governor, no state, no local government, and no institution can do without the NYSC. Support the scheme in your various states. Incorporate the NYSC into your developmental activities and create opportunities for corps members to live meaningful and productive lives.
“The NYSC has produced generations of disciplined, determined, and productive young people who continue to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Speaking further on the programmes the ministry has for the scheme, Ayodele said; “The Ministry of Youth Development recognises that the future of Nigeria cannot be discussed without the NYSC because the youth agenda can never be complete without this scheme.”
Other News
“This is why we remain committed to working with stakeholders to expand opportunities for corps members through digital skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership development, and economic empowerment initiatives.
“I must commend the leadership and management of the scheme for their commitment and dedication despite prevailing challenges, particularly insecurity and other developmental realities. The dedication is evident, the ideas are practical, and the reforms are commendable.
“As we celebrate this important anniversary, I pray that our unity will continue to grow stronger, that we will continue to work together in the spirit of national service, and that we will build a country where every young person has the opportunity to thrive and succeed,” he prayed.
Earlier in his address, NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said that; “The occasion offers another opportunity to reflect on the vision, resilience, and immense contributions of the scheme to national development since its establishment in 1973.”
“For 53 years, the NYSC has remained a veritable platform for promoting national unity, integration, and youth development. The founding fathers of the scheme envisioned an institution that would foster unity and mutual understanding among Nigerians in the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War.
“I am pleased to note that the scheme has continued to fulfil this mandate by deploying graduates to states other than their states of origin, thereby strengthening national cohesion and integration.
“Over the years, the scheme has recorded remarkable achievements in several sectors of national life. Through the Community Development Service programme, corps members have executed impactful projects in education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, environmental sanitation, and public enlightenment, especially in under-served communities,” he chronicled the mileage the scheme has covered.
In his opening remarks, Director Media, Mr. Mgbemena Chukwuemeka, expressed happiness that the scheme has provided the needed manpower in the country, adding that; “in economics, labour remains one of the greatest factors of production because the workforce drives all other factors of production.”
