By Nkechi Eze
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has applauded successive generations of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for upholding the core values of the Scheme and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s development for more than five decades.
According to a statement signed by the NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, General Gowon gave the commendation when the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Abuja.
Gowon, whose administration established the NYSC in 1973, said he remained proud of the roles Corps Members continue to play in urban and rural development, as well as in the education and health sectors, elections, and several national programmes. He expressed delight at the successes recorded by the Scheme over the years, praising its managers for sustaining the vision laid down by its founding fathers.
“Let me commend all the staff of the Scheme from inception to date. I say well done and thank you for ensuring that it records success,” Gowon said.
Reflecting on the origins of the Scheme, he explained that the idea emerged from the collective desire of Nigerians after the civil war to mobilize the nation’s human resources for rebuilding and reconciliation. He noted that the NYSC deployment policy had yielded numerous benefits, including fostering inter-ethnic marriages and deepening national integration.
The elder statesman emphasized the need to ensure the Scheme remains relevant amid contemporary national challenges. He further called for stronger stakeholder support to boost entrepreneurial development and self-employment prospects for Corps Members, in line with the objectives of the NYSC Act.
In his remarks, Brigadier General Nafiu expressed profound appreciation to General Gowon for his continued guidance and unwavering support for the Scheme. He assured the former Head of State that the NYSC management and staff remain committed to sustaining its long-standing achievements and attaining new milestones in the post-golden jubilee era.
