NYSC@50: Gov Yahaya lauds scheme’s contributions to national integration, unity
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on Friday hailed contributions of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to national integration, peace and unity within the last 50 years of its existence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the scheme was created on May 22, 1973 as an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after Nigeria’s civil war which lasted for 30 months.
Yahaya stated this while delivering his speech during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2023 Batch “A’’ Stream I, held at the NYSC temporary orientation camp, Amada Community in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
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He said contributions of NYSC corps members to promoting national unity and development through community-based project was beyond measure.
“Nigeria is what it is today because of the contributions of the scheme especially in view of their engagements in various national assignments which had been executed towards the growth of the country.
“The contributions of corps members is beyond what we can mention. They have contributed immensely towards making the country what we are today and where we are heading.
“They have been part of the development of the country.
“This swearing-in coincidences with the golden jubilee of the scheme, so l am praying that the corps members will use this opportunity diligently and make sure they contribute immensely to the development of their fatherland and the country at large,” he said.
The governor represented by Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Abubakar Musa, also called on the corps members not to relent in their service to the country especially as the elections draw near.
Yahaya while speaking on the NYSC Trust Fund, said his administration supports the passage of the bill into law, adding that the law would help bridge unemployment gaps in the country.
“I commend the National Assembly for their concern about the state of unemployment in the country. I will do everything possible to support credible initiative of the NYSC at all times,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Ada Imoni, the Coordinator of the scheme in Gombe state, advised corps members deployed to the state to be good ambassadors of the scheme especially during the elections.
Imoni while restating the scheme’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all corps members during and after the elections, advised them to be patriotic.
“Young compatriots, the General Election is around the corner. As the scheme prepares corps members for the task ahead, I call on you to be non-partisan.
“The nation looks up to you for free, fair and credible elections. It behooves on you, my dear children to see yourselves as agents of change and Nigeria’s ray of hope,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 595 2023 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members, comprising 347 males and 248 females were sworn in.
