NYSC at 53: FG praised for keeping scheme strong

Di Federal Government don receive commendation for keeping di National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) strong, even with all di wahala wey di scheme don face since e start more dan 50 years ago. Di NYSC Coordinator for Katsina State, Mr. Okwor Evans, talk dis on Friday during di 53 anniversary celebration of di scheme by staff and corps members for di state.

Evans describe di anniversary as a moment of joy and appreciation, and e note say di NYSC remain one of Nigeria’s most enduring institutions since dem establish am in 1973 during di era of General Yakubu Gowon. E also urge corps members to remain committed during their service year and make sure dia actions reflect wetin dem learn during orientation.

During di celebration, corps members dem sensitise on di history and objectives of di scheme, including im role for national unity, reconstruction, reconciliation and rehabilitation. Dem also highlight di importance of Community Development Service (CDS), Skills Acquisition, and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. Di scheme hold a colourful procession for di heart of di metropolitan area, wey culminate with di cutting of di 53 anniversary cake.

For Oyo State, di state coordinator of NYSC, Kayode Ola Peters, reaffirm say di NYSC remain a central symbol of national unity and integration for Nigeria. E describe di scheme as a platform wey dey shape nation building, youth development and national cohesion. E make di remarks at di 53rd anniversary celebration for Grace Ogbuegbe Hall, NYSC Secretariat, Ibadan.

Peters say di anniversary na not just celebration of time, but of impact and national service. E describe di scheme as one of Nigeria’s most enduring instruments of unity and youth empowerment, and e add say e don remain central to national development since dem establish am. E recall say di NYSC was created in 1973 under General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) following di Nigerian civil war, to rebuild trust and strengthen national unity.

Peters note say di 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. According to am, corps members don remain active drivers of community development through CDS, impacting lives across di country. E praise Oyo State as a strong example of di objectives of di NYSC, noting say corps members serving for di state don consistently show discipline and commitment.

E also commend Governor Seyi Makinde for supporting di scheme for Oyo State, as well as di NYSC staff and development partners for dia commitment to im operations. Speaking on di lecture topic, ‘Honouring di Past, Strengthening di Present and Securing di Future,’ a resource person, Oluajo Oluwarotimi, say di event reflect on di historical foundation and long-term relevance of di scheme. E say di NYSC was born out of di need to heal a divided nation and promote unity among young Nigerians.

Oluajo note say over 53 years, di scheme don not only promote unity but also contribute to social integration and economic participation. E stress say millions of graduates don serve outside their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, a process wey don strengthen national understanding and cohesion. E add say NYSC remain one of di strongest national institutions for promoting tolerance, leadership and national consciousness.

E urge young Nigerians to embrace discipline and responsibility, warning against social vices. E also call for reforms to strengthen di Scheme, particularly for di areas of welfare, skills development and employability. E say strengthening di Act wey establish di scheme go enhance im contribution to national development and economic growth. Di event also feature captivating cultural performances by corps members as well as entertaining live band renditions by di NYSC band group, showcasing di rich cultural diversity and vibrant spirit of di scheme.