Polycarp Sola-Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Bamai Mercy has said the relevance and impacts of the scheme in fostering national unity and development would continue to be felt across the country.
Bamai who stated this in Abakaliki the State capital, weekend pointed out the contribution of the scheme in strengthening the workforce across the country as well as delivering its mandate which is to enhance national unity and integration.
“The NYSC will always be relevant, that we are fifty years, we would not say that we have grown old, and then it should be scrapped
“I know the number of employers always asking for Corps Members, and most of these employers depend on the members of NYSC.
“If you go to some schools, the Corps Members are the main teachers there, not only in schools but in other sectors of the economy.
“In Agriculture, the health sector, and every quarter, we carry out health initiatives for rural dwellers.
“If we start to mention the contribution of the NYSC to national development, the period would not be enough for us to talk about that,” Bamai said.
The week-long anniversary celebration as observed in the State and across the kicked off with events such as the unity walk, games as well exhibitions, and lectures which have its theme as “fifty years of fostering national unity and development”.
Held at the pastoral center in Abakaliki, the guest lecturer, Dr. Nwele Hillary emphasized the need for patriotism and commitment to national development.
“NYSC aims to instill a sense of patriotism and national consciousness in Nigerian youths.
“Through the orientation camp activities, community development projects, and engagement with local communities.
“Participants are expected to develop a deep love for their country and a commitment to its progress and development,” Nwele said.
Recounting her experience during the service year in Bauchi State, the state public relations officer, Mrs Ngozi Ukuoma encouraged Corp members to accept their deployment to other states across the country in good faith and see it as the will of God for them.
“The scheme was aimed at strengthening the unity, peace, and progress of the Nation, Corps Members should embrace their postings to other states as a will of God”. she added.