By Nkechi Eze
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Major General Johnson Olawunmi (Rtd), has described the scheme as a vital instrument for national integration and development more than five decades after its establishment, noting that it has continued to meet the expectations of Nigerians despite various challenges confronting the programme.
Olawunmi made the remarks during a recent interaction with the incumbent Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the former DG said the relevance of the scheme could not be overemphasised, pointing to its achievements in community development, participation in national programmes, promotion of unity, and cultural integration across the country.
He noted that through these initiatives, the NYSC has remained a critical national instrument for building bridges across religious, socio-economic and cultural divides in Nigeria.
Olawunmi also commended the quality of personnel within the organisation, describing NYSC staff as among the best set of professionals he had worked with in his career. He urged Nafiu to continue harnessing their capacity and dedication to strengthen the scheme’s leadership and overall impact.
The former DG added that although he has since left office, he continues to monitor the activities of the corps scheme and offers advice whenever necessary.
Responding, Nafiu said his visit was primarily to pay homage to his predecessor and acknowledge the tenacity and determination he demonstrated while serving as the chief executive of the scheme.
He particularly praised Olawunmi for introducing key initiatives that have continued to shape the operations of the corps, including the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme, through which corps members deliver healthcare services directly to rural communities and indigent Nigerians. Nafiu also commended him for pioneering the electronic registration system for corps members, which has improved administrative efficiency within the scheme.
Olawunmi served as Director-General of the NYSC from January 2014 to April 2016.
