The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has commended the visionaries behind the establishment of the NYSC Scheme, as well as the successive governments and generations of Corps Members who have contributed to its development over the past 52 years.
Speaking during a modest ceremony held at the National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, to commemorate the Scheme’s 52nd anniversary, Nafiu described the NYSC as a cornerstone of national unity, youth empowerment, and socio-economic development in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the NYSC boss applauded the enduring legacy of the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who introduced the NYSC in 1973 as a post-war initiative to promote reconciliation, reconstruction, and national integration.
“Today, NYSC is 52. It is a well-thought-out strategy of the Gowon administration. NYSC has survived all odds since 1973 and has evolved significantly,” he said. “All thanks to the NYSC family over the years.”
Nafiu also highlighted the vital roles played by Corps Members in national development, including their involvement in elections, population censuses, health campaigns, and grassroots community service projects. He said these efforts have made the Scheme a household name and a respected institution within and beyond Nigeria.
“We have built a strong workforce, and what we are witnessing today is a testament to the dedication of the staff in sustaining the Scheme in line with the dictates and demands of Nigerian society,” he said.
He reaffirmed the NYSC management’s commitment to the welfare of Corps Members and staff, while expressing optimism about the future of the Scheme.
“We play a vital role in building a viable future for our youths. I commend all of you and thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the Scheme,” he said. “Management remains committed to the welfare of Corps Members and staff, and I believe better days lie ahead. I wish you a happy anniversary.”
