Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, has asserted that the scheme is the only unifying platform for younger generations.
The state coordinator made the assertion on Saturday when she gave an overview of National Youth Service Corps to the 2021 Batch ‘A’ (Stream 1) prospective corps members.
Ani said that the programme was a beautiful one that was bringing together Nigerian youths from various ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds together for the common purpose of unity and integration.
“My distinguished prospective corps members, you will agree with me that no programme apart from NYSC brings young, energetic, talented, intelligent and forward looking youths together for national development like this noble scheme.
“I want to admonish you to give your best to the country during the mandatory one year continuous and unbroken service to our dear fatherland.
“You have a lot to benefit if you determine to serve and not to play truancy, engage in sharp practices or evade service. NYSC has put in place programmes that will make you a better, distinguished and successful individuals.”
Speaking on the overview of the NYSC, the administrator traced the establishment of the scheme to the challenges faced after the unnecessary civil war of 1967 to 1970.
“There was mistrust and misconception about our staying together as a country and General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) in his wisdom as then Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces came up with the novel idea of using young, educated and well enlightened youths of this country to drive the process of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Reconciliation.
“The NYSC programme over the years has proved to be the only enduring legacy that has changed the face of the country in all its entirety. Wherever you go in all the nooks and crannies of this great country, corps members are there contributing to the development of their host communities,” she said.
The NYSC boss stated that NYSC would stop at nothing to inculcate in the youths leadership training that would make them indispensable and useful to the country in the foreseeable future.
“We shall not relent until all the graduates of this country who pass through the one year service become the best in whatever thing they may lay their hands on. Testimonies abound about your predecessors and yours will not be an exemption.
“Do not hesitate to meet with any of the camp officials to seek information or clarification on things that you are not comfortable with. They will try their best provided your request does not tilt towards undue solicitation for favour,” she added.
Ani thereafter flagged off the commencement of Lecture and Language series, and the inauguration of COVID -19 Enforcement Vanguard.
