Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa has described the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) as a commendable initiative that promotes unity and inclusiveness among Nigerians.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Thursday, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of NYSC , Ondo State chapter held at St Mathias Anglican Secondary School, Akure.
The Deputy Governor who was represented at the event by, Deputy Chief of Staff, office of Deputy Governor, Prince Olusegun Omojuwa declared that the celebration of NYSC at 50 was a significant milestone ” of an institution with monumental attainment, positive impacts and glamour that NYSC represents” .
He noted that the NYSC was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the nation after the civil war that literally tore Nigeria apart .
Being a creation of Decree no 24 of 2nd May 1973, the scheme was “to forge common ties among the youth of Nigeria and promote national unity,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that, “in the last five decades, we have seen how the NYSC has provided a platform for the youth to know Nigeria and explore the opportunities that lie in regions or states other than their own” .
“The Scheme has also provided massive labour in terms of personnel supply to the public and private sectors at a cheaper cost.”
“Shall we also not reckon with the memorandum of understanding between the NYSC and INEC to supply bulk of ad-hoc staff for the conduct of general elections since about 2011 ? “he said.
The Deputy Governor also pointed out that the scheme had provided a temporary buffer for new graduates of higher institutions to work for the nation, earn some stipends and ruminate about what the future has in stock for them during the one year service.
While applauding NYSC for the journey so far, Aiyedatiwa said, “the benefits of NYSC are too fundamental and material to our existence as a nation.”
“It is an institution that has made giant contributions to national development and as well passed the test of sustainability.”
The Deputy Governor equally appreciated the remarkable leadership being provided by Ondo State NYSC Co-ordinator, Mrs Victoria Nnenna Ani.
“We applaud you, the entire management and Corps Members of Ondo State chapter of the NYSC. We urge you all not to rest on your oars while assuring you of the continued support of the State Government to NYSC Scheme, “he said.
In her own speech, Ondo State NYSC Director, Mrs Victoria Nnenna Ani said NYSC has been the shinning light to the youths and the platform to spread unity, cohesion and integration in the country, which has been greatly achieved.
Her words, “the intention of the founding fathers of the scheme is to establish a scheme that will raise new crop of disciplined and detribalized Nigerians by allowing youths to undergo national service in States other than their own for the purpose of national development and integration” .
She therefore said that she is happy that the objectives have been achieved, calling for them to roll out the drums for Celebrations.
“We have survived the dark days already and we are marching forward to celebrating the centenary with renewed hope and improved better service delivery to our principal stakeholders- the graduate youths” , she said.
She also expressed NYSC’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s Unity and faithfully serve the Country.
Earlier, Mr Adedeji Adebayo , a retired Deputy Registrar of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko delivered lecture on “Celebrating Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development”, to mark the golden celebration.
Dignitaries at the event are, Chairman, Council of Obas and Deji of Akure Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, Hon Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development represented by his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Daramola, SSA on Youths and Students Affairs, Hon Muyiwa Ogunyemi, Heads of Security Commands and others.
