The Coordinator, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Ondo State, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, has asserted that the scheme remains the indispensable pillar that holds the country together.
Ani made the assertion at Adegbemile Cultural Centre in Akure, the state capital, while flagging-off the Unity Walk to commence the activities lined up to commemorate NYSC @ 50.
Mrs. Ani who led the management team to kick start the colourful events disclosed that the founding fathers established the scheme 50 years ago to ensure that all ethnics come together to salvage the country from the almost three years bitter war that left the country in ruins.
“Distinguished guests, patriotic corps members, ladies and gentlemen, we need to give kudos to the founding fathers of this noble scheme for their pragmatic approach which today has returned peace into the nation after the prejudices and misconceptions that characterised the war. NYSC has given hopes to the leaders and the led and this informed the decision by the management to roll out the drums to celebrate this important milestone.
“I want to let you know that NYSC does not need the services of soothsayers to tell the world that the scheme has brought peace and comfort to all Nigerians and residents alike irrespective of their religious or cultural affiliations.”
The state coordinator maintained that the objectives outlined by the founding fathers at inception of the programme had given hope and better future for not only graduate youths mobilised for national service but all households in all the nooks and crannies of the country.
“Attaining the age of 50 is not a mean feat and the managers of the scheme can walk tall and their shoulders raised high as NYSC has become a national treasure which undoubtedly has impacted greatly on Nigeria despite all the challenges which are associated with developing economies. NYSC has had her fair share of the challenges but our outstanding achievements surpass any other limitations you can think of,” she boasted.
She praised the corps members for serving the nation painstakingly and encouraged the present crops of serving corps members not to disappoint both the nation and their parents.
“My ever focused children in the task of nation building, you are lucky to be part of history to celebrate this milestone. Those who came before you made lasting impressions and executed life-changing projects for the betterment of the society and it is your turn now to sustain and build on the achievements recorded over a period of impressive fifty years.
“This Unity Walk is for the peace and progress of the nation to further deepen the relevance of youths to national development. The country values you and you will do well to continue to promote unity and integration, and not forgetting that our diversity is in our strength. The nation will remember your activities and posterity will be kind to you. Congratulations to you all for being part of this epoch-making history.”
The NYSC Ondo State boss used the occasion to appreciate all the stakeholders and government agencies for their continued support and sustained interest in the scheme, and like Oliver Twist requested for more attention and collaboration with NYSC to achieve more for the country.
The awareness Unity Walk according to Ani was principally to let the citizens and residents of the state to rejoice with the scheme for coming that far.
The Unity Walk which started from Adegbemile Cultural Centre linked Oba Adesida road, passed through SO Junction and terminated at MKO Democracy Park at Oja-Oba in the heart of the ancient town.
