NYSC Key To Continued Unity, Empowerment In Nigeria – DG

The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, says the scheme continues to promote unity, empowerment, and leadership in Nigeria.

Nafiu, who was represented by the Edo NYSC Coordinator, Mr Julius Fasina, spoke on Friday at the 53rd NYSC anniversary in Benin, Edo.

He urged corps members to grow and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The director general reiterated that the NYSC, established in 1973 after the Civil War, has continued to foster national integration and understanding.

He noted that the NYSC has grown beyond a compulsory programme into a platform for leadership training, civic responsibility, and nation-building.

“NYSC has become a strategic platform for leadership formation, civic responsibility, and nation-building beyond post-graduation obligation.

“Deploying corps members across states has broken barriers, fostered understanding, and strengthened national unity,” he said.

A guest speaker and Edo Broadcasting Service Managing Director, Sulaiman Aledeh urged the corps members to remain committed to service and self-development.

Aledeh recalled how a former governor, Mr Sam Egwu facilitated his 2001 posting to Ebonyi Broadcasting Service after his NYSC service.

“National transformation starts in the human heart before reaching government institutions,” he said.

He advocated unity, integrity, and tolerance.

On his part, Dr Matie Obazee, Chairman of the NYSC Edo Stakeholders Association and Medical Director of Echos Hospital, Ugbowo, stressed that employers should treat workers fairly.

He noted that organisations benefited from maintaining good relationships with their employees.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the celebration featured cultural displays, goodwill messages from employers, and cutting of the anniversary cake.

The NYSC was introduced in 1973 by Gen. Yakubu Gowon to strengthen unity and integration among Nigerian youths.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)