The National Youth Service Corps NYSC, has begun a full dedicated week for it celebration of its golden jubilee in grand style. The event which noted multiple national dignitaries in attendance. The Director General Of The National Youth Service Corps Brigadier General YD Ahmed DSS FDC MTRCN MNARC During The Opening Ceremony Of The 50th Anniversary Of The Scheme expressed his gratification that NYSC, a Scheme that has in 50 years become the rallying point for national unity, and catalyst for development; the event which held On Monday 15th May, 2023 At Chida Event Centre, Utako-Abuja; themed: NYSC Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development.
In his opening speech, YD Ahmed extends appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for the opportunity to pilot the affairs of NYSC.
YD Ahmed said “the Scheme is a household name in the country, and a cherished global brand for youth development. A critical look at the tangible and intangible contributions of Corps Members in the spheres of Education, Health, Infrastructure, Advocacies, National duties over the years will validate the centrality of the Scheme to national development”.
The NYSC boss also noted that in 50 years, the NYSC has effectively discharged its mandate, overcome operational challenges under several administrations to stand the test of time.
“Conscious of the dynamism of society, and in order to articulate a renewed vision for the Scheme, I have carefully outlined five policy thrusts, focusing on the welfare and security of both Corps Members and staff, research development, stakeholders’ engagement, capacity development and deepening the impact of Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development as a sustainable means of addressing post-service unemployment”, YD Ahmed.
Speaking at capacity, the Chairman of NYSC National Governing Board, Her Excellency Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar OON while appreciating the dignitaries, she said NYSC was established by the administration of General Yakubu Gowon on 22nd May, 1973, as part of the administration’s post-civil war policy of Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction.
On the part of The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare who in his speech specifically saluted His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering commitment to the sustenance of the NYSC.
“I equally recognize the contributions of our past Presidents and Heads of States who through their hindsight have nurtured this Scheme despite the odds that threaten its existence. As we chronicle and celebrate the unparalleled contributions of the Scheme to nation building, this event presents to us a veritable opportunity to evolve strategies to strengthen the Scheme, make it more sustainable and broaden its scope of operations to enhance its contributions to national development”.
That NYSC has become a house hold name in the socio-economic development of Nigeria is not surprising because the Scheme, since inception 50 years ago, has kept faith with its objectives and mandate. Through its programmes, the Scheme has made invaluable impact in various aspects of national development, including providing health care to our rural communities, while its contributions to education and rural infrastructure are legendary.
The Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo GCON congratulates the management, staff and Corps Members Nation-Wide and all Nigerians on this 50th Anniversary Celebration which can he described as the celebration of another NYSC’s unquantifiable contributions to Nation building.
Osinbajo lauded the giant strides recorded by the scheme through its Community Development Projects which have equally contributed greatly to improve the living standard of rural dwellers.
He therefore urged Nigerians to support the programmes and activities of the Scheme especially on community and rural development.
