NYSC at 50, pillar that holds Nigeria — Ondo coordinator

Mrs Victoria Ani, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) coordinator in Ondo has said the Scheme remained the indispensable pillar that holds Nigeria together.

The State Coordinator 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 fifty years ago to ensure that “all ethnicities come together to salvage the country from the almost three years bitter war that left the country in total 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 hope 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,” she said.

The State Coordinator maintained that the objectives outlined by founding fathers at inception of the programme have 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 fifty 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 no 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 successive corps members for serving the nation painstakingly and encouraged the 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 society and it is your turn now to sustain and build on the achievements recorded over 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, 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,” she added.

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