By Nkechi Eze
The Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical agent of youth development in Nigeria, commending the scheme’s role in empowering young people and delivering healthcare services to underserved rural communities.
Paullier made the remark during the flag-off of the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) held at Kabusa community in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Speaking during the event, Paullier, who is on an official visit to Nigeria, said his trip focuses on engaging with youth organisations, youth representatives, particularly the NYSC, as well as key stakeholders to advance the youth agenda in the country.
According to him, the discussions are aimed at strengthening the role of young people as partners in development, peace building and the promotion of human rights.
“I have interacted with many young and old Nigerians who are proud of their NYSC experiences,” he said.
He also commended the NYSC for its consistent medical outreach to rural communities through the HIRD programme, noting that the initiative is contributing to building a better world by expanding access to healthcare for underserved populations.
Earlier in his remarks, the Director-General of the NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, said that since the inception of the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers in 2014, more than five million Nigerians have benefited from the free medical outreach across the country.
He disclosed that the scheme projects to provide medical services to about 45,000 people in rural communities across Nigeria this year, leveraging two newly acquired mobile clinics donated by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu.
The NYSC DG expressed gratitude to the First Lady for what he described as a visionary and generous donation that would expand the reach of the initiative.
Nafiu further revealed that the scheme plans to begin offering free minor surgical procedures to rural dwellers through the HIRD platform.
He explained that the programme contributes to the attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring good health and well-being by improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles.
According to him, the initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goal 1, which seeks to end poverty, as the provision of free medical services helps reduce financial burdens on vulnerable households while encouraging better health decisions within communities.
While thanking the scheme’s partners and donors for sustaining the programme over the past 12 years, Nafiu also praised corps medical personnel for their dedication and selfless service to rural communities.
“I am proud of you and your valuable contributions to our nation’s development. Your selfless services will always be remembered,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the Dakachi of Kabusa village, Samuel A. Kpowu, expressed appreciation to the NYSC for bringing free medical services to the community, describing the outreach as the first of its kind for the area.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects (CDS & SP) of the NYSC, Funmilayo Ajayi, said the two-day outreach featured a wide range of medical services, including health sensitisation and education on disease prevention, medical consultations, treatment and diagnosis, laboratory tests, scanning, eye care services, and referrals where necessary.
A major highlight of the event was the launch and inspection of the two new mobile clinics by the UN Assistant Secretary-General alongside the NYSC Director-General.
The programme also featured a health talk delivered by a corps medical doctor, Else Ibrahim, who interpreted key health messages into Gbagyi, the local language spoken in the community to ensure better understanding among residents.
The medical outreach was supported by collaborating partners Genlab/Doc.roa, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Ebozoje Deogratias Segun, and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation, represented by its General Manager, Ayomide Adebayo.
