Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has described the National Youth Service Corps as an indispensable pillar to Nigeria’s unity.
The Vice President who stated this during a lecture organised to mark the scheme’s 50th anniversary celetration in Abuja, the nation’s capital said that the scheme has evolved since its establishment and has become indispensable.
Speaking on the theme, “NYSC Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development,” the Vice President congratulated the management staff and corps members for sustaining the purpose for the establishment of the scheme.
He also commended Nigeria’s former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon’s led government that came up with the idea of establishing the Scheme which is specifically designed to harness the potentials of young graduates towards the task of National Development.
“The scheme has continously evolved, growing from strength to strength while discharging it’s core mandate of promoting national unity, integration, facilitating self-reliance among others creditably.
“The story of NYSC has been that of growth and development which brought about unity and national integration.
“There’s no doubt that since its inception, NYSC has continue to play a significant role towards building indivisible nation,” the VP said.
He further urged Nigerians to support the Programme and activities of the scheme.
Also speaking, the guest Speaker Attahiru Jega, said the scheme has been providing opportunities for youths to learn the diverse cultures that exist in the country.
According to Jega, “it is a wonderful experience to participate in the one year mandatory service, added that
the contributions of corps members in conducting elections has help to boost democracy in Nigeria.
“The corps members have made significant contribution to the development of Nigeria.
“The NYSC has facilitated national integration which was one of the objectives of the scheme.
“NYSC is one of the best schemes established in Nigeria that needs to be sustained,” he said.
However, he stressed that Corps Members deserve a descent allowances that can aid them carry out their functions, while commending the initiators of the NYSC scheme, especially General Gowon,retired
Despite the successes, the former INEC chairman pointed out that the scheme is facing some challenges that need to be addressed, which includes welfare of staff and corps members, amongst others.
He noted that the prospect of the scheme depend on how the government address the challenges and reposition it.
He says, “Government will need to address the funding of the scheme and ensure the security of corps members in national service.”
Jega further stressed the need for NYSC to be voluntary with enough incentives.
On his part, the Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare stated that NYSC has made invaluable impact in various aspects of national development.
“The scheme has continously evolved, growing from strength to strength while discharging it’s core mandate of promoting national unity, integration, facilitating self-reliance among others creditably”.
In his remarks, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed said for five decades, the scheme has distinguished itself by promoting national unity and development in the country and has overcome operational challenges under several administrations to stand the test if time.
Confidence Okwuchi
