As part of activities to mark the 53rd anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), corps members for Lagos don carry community service and environmental sanitation exercise go promote cleanliness and public health awareness.
The exercise wey happen yesterday at Arena Market, Oshodi, na corps members wey dey serve under Oshodi-Isolo Local Council carry out. The corps members turn out for large numbers to clean strategic areas within and around the market environment as part of efforts to improve sanitation standards.
According to the Local Government Inspector for Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Omolara Oyerinde, the activity reflect the values of service and community impact wey the NYSC scheme don continue to uphold over the years. She talk say, “This exercise is part of our contribution to the community as we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of NYSC. The turnout of corps members today shows their commitment to service, teamwork and community development.”
Also speaking, the Zonal Inspector for Ikeja, Abimbola Yewande, commend the corps members for their participation and dedication throughout the exercise. She talk say the NYSC don remain relevant after 53 years because of its continuous contribution to national development and community service across the country. Yewande urge corps members to continue upholding the ideals of the scheme through impactful activities wey go positively affect their host communities.
For Oyo State side, the state coordinator of NYSC, Kayode Ola Peters, reaffirm say the NYSC remains a central symbol of national unity and integration for Nigeria. He describe the scheme as a platform wey continue to shape nation building, youth development and national cohesion. He make the remarks at the 53rd anniversary celebration of the scheme wey hold at Grace Ogbuegbe Hall, NYSC Secretariat, Ibadan.
Peters recall say NYSC was created in 1973 under General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) after the Nigerian civil war, to rebuild trust and strengthen national unity. He note say the scheme don continue to evolve into a national institution wey don shape millions of youths and contribute across sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, civic education, and entrepreneurship.
The state coordinator praise Oyo State as a strong example of the objectives of NYSC, noting say corps members serving in the state don consistently demonstrate discipline and commitment. He also commend Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting the scheme in Oyo State, as well as the NYSC staff and development partners for their commitment to its operations.
Oluajo Oluwarotimi, a resource person wey speak on the lecture topic, ‘Honouring the Past, Strengthening the Present and Securing the Future,’ say the event reflect on the historical foundation and long-term relevance of the scheme. He talk say NYSC was born out of the need to heal a divided nation and promote unity among young Nigerians. Oluajo note say over 53 years, the scheme don not only promote unity but also contribute to social integration and economic participation.
The resource person stress say millions of graduates don serve outside their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, a process wey don strengthen national understanding and cohesion. He add say NYSC remains one of the strongest national institutions for promoting tolerance, leadership and national consciousness. He urge young Nigerians to embrace discipline and responsibility, warning against social vices, and call for reforms to strengthen the scheme, particularly in areas of welfare, skills development and employability.
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