Mrs Ada Imoni, the Gombe State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has described the scheme as the pillar of Nigeria’s unity and a tool for nation building.
Imoni said this on Monday in an interview with journalists in Gombe shortly after a 5-kilometre unity walk to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYSC.
She said this was spanning the last five decades, adding that since the inception of the scheme, it had become the biggest contributor to national integration and unity.
According to her, the scheme has provided the right orientation to young graduates who have used the knowledge greatly in enhancing national unity, growth and development.
“The NYSC was established on May 22, 1973 to foster national unity and integration after the Civil War and looking back through the years, we have lived up to expectations.
“The scheme remains one of the most reputable institutions in Africa, mobilising and equipping young graduates for national development while equipping them with the necessary skills for self-reliance.”
Speaking on the activities to commemorate the anniversary in the state, Imoni said the Management of the NYSC had packaged a week-long event.
She said the events would include lectures on the achievements of the scheme, as well as dinner/award night to recognise and reward outstanding stakeholders.
The state coordinator called on the corps members to continue to sustain the legacies of the scheme going forward.
“Let us remember to play our role to sustain the relevance of the NYSC beyond it’s golden jubilee for the next generation to benefit from the dreams of the founding fathers” she said.
She commended community, religious and other stakeholders across the state for their supports to corps members in the state.
“I commend the Federal Government and the Gombe State government for providing conducive atmosphere for young graduates to serve in the state.
“I also commend them for making resources, infrastructure and other requirements available to sustain the scheme over the years,” she said.
