As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the scheme for its golden years of existence.
Politics Nigeria recalls that scheme came into fruition after the Civil War of 1967–1970 as part of a post-war policy formulated to reconcile and integrate young Nigerians across all parts of the country.
In a statement released on Friday, May 12, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari saluted former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), for his wisdom in setting up the NYSC in 1973.
“I commend the former Head of State, past and present Directors General of the Corps, academic institutions, and the Nigerian Army for inspiring and sustaining a 50-year legacy and also providing an enabling environment for the success of the scheme,” he said.
According to him, the scheme has truly achieved the goal of national integration by providing opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and establishing a bridge for improved understanding of various individual and ethnic identities.
He noted that the scheme had underscored the bottom line of the common values of fairness, justice, peace and unity.
“The NYSC scheme remains one the strongest ideals of nation building, institutionally encouraging inter-cultural and inter-religious marriages, resettling of people of various tribes in different parts of the country.
“Exploration of entrepreneurship and business opportunities in places, among citizens, and enabling a new culture of oneness, brotherliness and neighbourliness,” Buhari stated.
He affirmed that the scheme should be sustained, with a constant reminder of its history, structure and purpose, adding that it should not be undermined for any reason.
The President wished the best for all potential corps members as they move to different parts of the country, to share and explore new experiences of the diversity of Nigeria.
