NYSC AT 50: FCT Permanent Secretary Drums Up For NYSC CDS

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja, Mr Olusade Adesola has urged all stakeholders to show stronger commitment to the success of the Community Development Service of the NYSC.

He said there is no gainsaying the fact that NYSC has done exceptionally well in promoting harmonious co-existence of Nigerians of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in its fifty years of existence. 

He stated this in his address at the launching of 2023 Community Development Service Activities and Director General's Awards, with the theme; “Deepening Collaboration and Optimising Corps Members’ Contributions through CDS for Nation Building,” held in Abuja.

Myschoolnews reports Adesola, whose address was read by the Director, Finance and Administration, Mrs Justina Pawa commended NYSC for providing the opportunities for young graduates to gain work experience, acquire leadership skills and make great contributions to nation building. 

He stated that the President has unveiled his blueprint for the Nigerian youths, while the present administration will accord priority to the NYSC in view of its immense contributions to the overall development of the country. 

He also enjoined Corps Members that are still in service to key into the CDS programme and make their impact felt by their host communities.

Adesola further disclosed that the immediate past Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello gave approval for the establishment and construction of a new NYSC Orientation Camp, to be located in Kwali.

The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Yusha'u Dogara Ahmed in his address said Community Development Service is one of the Cardinal Programmes of the NYSC, and a platform for Corps Members to further contribute to national and global development.

He disclosed that Corps Members during service identifies the felt needs of their host communities and work with the inhabitants to mobilize resources for execution of planned projects. 

He listed some of the activities carried out such as; construction of school structures, health centres, roads and culverts; provision of water as well as mentorship of pupils/students in Science, Technology, Arts and Information Technology through guidance, conduct of quiz and extra-mural lessons among others.

"Over the years, Corps Members have, through the CDS,

made enormous impact on communities all over the country, apart from bridging the imbalance in rural-urban development, their efforts also reawaken stakeholders' consciousness of the needs of the rural dwellers", the DG said.

In her introductory address, the Director, Community Development Service and Special Projects, Hajiya Zainab Isah assured the NYSC  Director General that the impact of Corps Members through laudable projects would be felt in different forms all over the federation.

The Director-General's CDS Award was initiated in 2021 to honour Corps Members, NYSC Staff and some of the Scheme's partners for their roles in the conceptualization,

facilitation and execution of outstanding CDS projects.

There were goodwill messages from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Chairman, NYSC National Governing Board, Ambassador Fatima Balla Abubakar represented by Hajia Binta Muazu among others.