The First Lady of Ondo State, Mrs. Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu has described the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as a catalyst for development and national unity.
The First Lady said that corps members serving nationwide were special breed whose uncommon and patriotic zeal for selfless service had become a reference point in the country.
Mrs. Akeredolu made the remarks when she hosted the new NYSC Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani at the Government House, Akure on Saturday.
She said the establishment of the NYSC scheme paved way for her to get married to Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, adding that she never regretted taking the step.
“The visible impact of the scheme in all areas of human endeavours to a reasonable extent has increased and deepened its relevance as a platform on whose the much cherished unity of this country stands.
“Members of the service corps have greatly impacted the society through various life-changing projects doting the landscape of this nation, and this bears eloquent testimony to the pivotal roles of the scheme in promoting and accelerating national development in all sectors of the economy,” she said.
The First Lady who is the President of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, said that the association would continue to engage corps members to enlighten the populace on the dangers inherent in not reporting early detection of breast cancer and at the same time promote cancer education in the society.
The founder of Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation, BAAF, a non-profit organisation with a mission to create opportunities and aspire positive social change for human development believed that partnering with NYSC accelerated the accomplishments of the foundation because of their exposure and interaction.
“The collaboration with NYSC scheme will further enhance the realisation of our mission statement which is creating opportunities for youth, women and children to improve their lives and contribute to the socio-economic development of their communities,” she said.
Speaking earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani commended the First Lady for being a very strong pillar of support to NYSC and especially the corps members during various projects execution.
“Your Excellency Ma, your unwavering and unflinching support to the NYSC speaks volumes. Without exaggeration, the records showed that you have singlehandedly sponsored many corps members’ projects across the state more than some individuals.
“Above all, you offer employment opportunity to those that you have implicit trust in. We are indeed grateful for all these Ma.”
Mrs. Ani said that the humility and hospitable nature of the First Lady was worthy of emulation.
“I count it as a privilege to be granted audience by the First Lady despite her very tight and challenging schedules. This is an eloquent testimony to the humility and positive disposition of Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu to youths of this country,” she said.
The Ondo State NYSC boss requested for intervention of the state government for more hostel accommodation at the Permanent Orientation Camp as well as provision of operational vehicle which will enhance the operations of the scheme in all corps locations within the state.
The state coordinator, while pledging her support to the Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Foundation, BAAF, and Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, BRECAN, promised to work with the Office of the First Lady so that she could achieve her best desire for the state.
