Gombe State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Mrs Ada Imoni has described the scheme as the pillar of Nigeria’s unity and a tool for nation building.
Imoni made the assertion in an interview with journalists in Gombe after a 5-kilometre unity walk to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the NYSC in the state.
She said since the inception of the scheme, it had become the biggest contributor to national integration and unity.
The coordinator added that 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, mobilizing and equipping young graduates for national development while equipping them with the necessary skills for self-reliance,” she stated.
Speaking on the activities to commemorate the anniversary in the state, Imoni said the management of the NYSC had packaged a week-long event including lectures on the achievements of the scheme, as well as dinner and 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 its golden jubilee for the next generation to benefit from the dreams of the founding fathers,” she said.
