President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his appreciation for the foresight of former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), in establishing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973, which successfully promoted national integration.
In a statement released on Friday by Femi Adesina, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, President Buhari conveyed his congratulations to Gen. Yakubu Gowon and all the past and present directors-general of the NYSC for their role in inspiring and sustaining the program’s 50-year legacy.
President Buhari emphasized that the NYSC continues to be one of the most significant pillars of nation-building. Through its institutional support for inter-cultural and inter-religious unions, the program has fostered a sense of unity among diverse ethnic groups.
Additionally, it has facilitated the relocation of individuals from different tribes to various parts of the country, encouraged entrepreneurship and business ventures in new locations, dismantled prejudices among citizens, and fostered a culture of unity, brotherhood, and neighborliness.
The President’s remarks highlight the profound impact of the NYSC in promoting national cohesion, fostering understanding and tolerance among Nigerians from different backgrounds, and cultivating a shared sense of purpose and identity.
President Buhari’s commendation serves as recognition of the enduring value and significance of the NYSC in building a stronger and more united Nigeria.
Furthermore, President Buhari emphasized the importance of preserving and sustaining the NYSC as the nation commemorates its 50th anniversary. He stressed the need for a continuous reminder of the scheme’s history, structure, and purpose.
Recognizing that the NYSC has played a pivotal role in fostering national unity and integration over the past five decades, the President underscored the significance of understanding and appreciating the foundation on which the program was built. By reflecting on its origins, the structure that supports it, and its overarching purpose, the NYSC can be effectively maintained and adapted to meet the evolving needs of the country.
President Buhari’s call for the sustenance of the NYSC serves as a reminder to all stakeholders to remain committed to its objectives. By upholding the principles of the program and acknowledging its historical significance, the NYSC can continue to contribute to nation-building, promote cultural exchange, and foster a sense of shared identity among Nigerian youth.
As the nation moves forward, President Buhari’s words serve as a call to action, urging everyone involved in the NYSC to remain dedicated to its mission and to preserve its legacy for generations to come.