Anambra NYSC Coordinator Extols Founding Fathers, Scheme’s Contributions National Development
Mrs Ekene Iruma, Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra has rated the contributions of the scheme high in the areas of national unify and youth development.
Iruma said this at a lecture on the 50th anniversary of NYSC in Awka on Friday.
She lauded the the founding fathers of NYSC and succeeding the scheme which she described as one of the best national legacies 50 years after it was founded.
“The NYSC was birthed precisely on May 22 1973, under the decree № 24, by the General Yakubu Gowon’s administration with the view to promoting post-conflict peace, reconciling, rehabilitating and reconstructing our dear nation.
“It was also designed to encourage and develop communities through the Nigeria youths and of course promoting national unity.
“Today we can vehemently assert that NYSC has contributed more to the society through her well carved out policies, and among the corps established in this country.
“The generosity of NYSC in discovering and developing talents speaks volume as it has not only enabled the youths to thrive well after school, but also contributed immensely in making Nigeria an enviable country,” she said.
Iruma while congratulating the NYSC and Nigerians urged greater support for the scheme to enable it deliver its mandate more effectively.
She called for better funding of the NYSC trust fund for better operationalisation of its activity and provision of better facilities.
“I crave your indulgence to strive further to build our future leaders whilst leaving the country better than we met it, and thus making the dream of our founding fathers a reality.
“The scheme has also experienced some challenges such as inadequate corps lodges, poor state of orientation camp facilities, lack of befitting infrastructure.
“The need for the NYSC trust fund cannot cannot be overemphasized and the earlier it is implemented the better to arrest youth restiveness, promote youth empowerment and serve a foundational resource base for the scheme,” she said.
In his address, My Ken Okoli, the National President of Association of Anambra State Town Unions, Youth Wing said NYSC was the best thing that happened to post Nigerian youths in spite the seeming challenges.
Okoli who said he felt so privileged to participate in the scheme that he emerged best corps member in Nasarawa state where he served said NYSC had through its programmes trained youths for leadership.
He called for better welfare and improved security to corps members while urging those in service to stay safe at all times.
The celebration also had jumat prayer and award night
