President Buhari Congratulates NYSC as Scheme Marks 50th Anniversary

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as the scheme marks its 50th anniversary.

Myschoolnews reports President Buhari, in a message released over the weekend congratulated former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retired), for the wisdom of setting up the NYSC in 1973 and all Directors General of the Corps, past and present, for inspiring and sustaining a 50-year legacy that has “Ignited loyalty to the nation, broadened the horizon of citizens, promoted civic responsiveness, created a better understanding of various individual and ethnic identities, their diversities and underscored the bottom-line of the common values of fairness, justice, peace and unity.”

He said the scheme has achieved the goal of national integration by providing opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and establishing a bridge for improved understanding.

President Buhari also affirmed that the scheme must be sustained, with a constant reminder of the history, structure and purpose, “That should not be abused, trivialized or undermined for any reason, by keeping a focus on the larger picture that Nigeria’s unity is a process and a collective responsibility that must not be negotiated.”

The President expressed belief that the NYSC remains one the strongest ideals of nation building, institutionally encouraging inter-cultural and inter-religious marriages, resettling of people of various tribes in different parts of the country, exploration of entrepreneurship and business opportunities in places, removing insularity among citizens, and enabling a new culture of oneness, brotherliness and neighbourliness.

The President also wished corps members luck as they settle in the different states of the federation they were posted whilst also thanking the Nigerian Army, the Directors General of the NYSC, and various private and public institutions for providing the enabling environment for the success of the scheme.