NYSC@50: Official lauds Gowon for establishing scheme

The Bauchi state Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs.Rifkatu Yakubu, has lauded the former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon for establishing and sustaining the scheme.

She made the commendation in Bauchi on Thursday during the celebration of the scheme’s Golden Jubilee.

Yakubu also appreciated all the past Chief executives of the scheme as well as the incumbent Director General, Brig:-Gen. Yushau Ahmed for initiating and approving all the activities lined up in celebrating the golden jubilee.

According to her, the scheme had contributed immensely to revitalise the affinity among diverse nationalities of the Nigeria nation and bolstered the values of respect for the culture, religions and customs being practiced by each of the ethnic groups.

“Over the years, the scheme did not only achieve its objectives but it went extra-miles in setting new milestones.

“In the Area of health, it is not an exaggeration to state that most medical outfits, especially, in the rural areas are manned or run by Corps medical personnel in addition to the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme of the scheme.

“Likewise, in the education sector, NYSC post greater percentage of Corps members to schools to mould the future leaders in various disciplines.

“The scheme has also achieved a lot in addressing the imbalances that exist in the society through the instrumentality of the Community Development and Special project where corps members initiate and execute both group and individual projects,” she said.

Also speaking, Alh. Ahidjo Yahaya, the Director, National Youth Service Corps, Northeast Area Office, said the scheme was established to among others groom Nigerian youths and make them self reliant.

Represented by Mr Emetaram Chapman, Deputy Director, Administration, NYSC Northeast Area Office, Yahaya added that corps members are posted to identify the areas of weaknesses, challenges of their host communities and come up with initiative of how to solve them and improve on the communities.

Some of the activities to mark the occasion included; Exhibition of Skills Acquisition Programme’s products made by the corps members in the state, novelty football match, cultural dances.

Others included; presentation of merit award to some staff of the scheme in the state and award of honour to some distinguished personalities, among others.