Bukola Afeni
The National Youth Service Corps( NYSC) has called for proper funding of the
Skill Acquisition and Enterpreneuship Program (SAED) so as to drive Nigeria’s industrial revolution with youths at the forefront.
The Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed stated this at a media parley to mark NYSC 50th anniversary in Abuja.
He added that with adequate funding of the SAED program more youths will be empowered.
“We are confident that the future holds greater things for the Scheme. The SAED programme will achieve unimaginable feats in the face of competing demands that confront governments at all levels,
“It has become imperative for the Scheme to seek alternative ways of raising funds for its operations.With the ongoing revitalization of the NYSC Ventures, coupled with the vast pool of skills and talents at its disposal.
“The Scheme will in the near future attain self-sufficiency in the production of food and kit items for Corps Members and earn appreciable revenue for the government”, the DG said.
He also reiterated that NYSC has no doubt, lived up to its mission Statement of being the leading light of youth in Nigeria.
He revealed that, since inception in 1973, the number of Corps members which was 2,364 has today increased to over 300,000 Corps Members annually.
He described the Scheme’s 50th anniversary as a remarkable success, national asset and beacon of hope for youths .
While also stating that education sector in Nigeria has recorded some level of successes since the establishment of the NYSC scheme.
The Director General said NYSC has been contributing to the development of education through the posting of Corps members to teach in schools at all levels.
He explained that since the establishment of the NYSC, the successive managers of the Scheme have been committed to the pursuit of its mandate with the support of the various tiers of government and other stakeholders.
“ In line with the vision of its founding fathers, and as a dynamic and result- oriented agency, deliberate steps have continued to be taken to reposition the Scheme for greater performance.
Indeed, the results have been heartening as the Scheme has made invaluable contributions to the socio-economic development of the country in the last five decades to the admiration of all stakeholders,” said Ahmed.
Explaining other achievements of the NYSC, the director general said the Scheme has made indelible records in fostering national unity and integration.
According to him, the policy of deploying Corps members to States other than their States of origin has helped in giving Corps participants broader understanding of the country, especially as they experience first-hand the socio-cultural similarities and particularities of their host communities.
“Over the years, inter-tribal marriages among serving and ex-Corps Members have continued to enhance better understanding among youths, who meet in the course of the National Service. Many ex-corps Members have also become permanent residents and contributors to the socio-economic development of their States of deployment,” he said.
General Ahmed also commended all those who have participated in the Scheme since its establishment, saying, “I thank you for the show of patriotism, dedication and selflessness, which has kept the vision of the founding fathers alive.”
“Despite the various challenges encountered during its 50 years of existence, the NYSC has been a remarkable success. By largely discharging its mandate, the Scheme has remained a national asset and a beacon of hope for the Nigerian youths.
“It has demonstrated that our youths can make greater contributions to national unity and development if their talents and skills are properly harnessed. In what represents an endorsement of its significance and uncommon contributions to national and global development, some African countries requested our assistance in replicating the Scheme.
Nonetheless, the DG noted that the establishment of the NYSC Trust Fund will surely address most of the challenges besetting the Scheme.
“As we cross into the post-Golden Jubilee era, we are determined to expand the scope and capacity of the Scheme to accommodate more national and international issues of interest to Nigeria as it discharges its traditional role of leadership in Africa.
“The following are some of the steps that will be taken to sustain its relevance, development of a five-year strategic plan review of the implementation framework for the SAED programme to make it more functional; and breaking new grounds in our partnership with the National Information Technology Development Agency, especially to enable Corps members explore greater opportunities in the digital economy.”
Ahmed used the opportunity to salute General Gowon for bequeathing to Nigeria the enduring platform for the promotion of national unity, integration and development.
“I wish to use this forum to pay tribute to General Yakubu Gowon for bequeathing to Nigeria, this enduring platform for the promotion of national unity, integration and development. I also salute successive Governments and managers of the Scheme for their efforts to sustain the dream of the founding fathers.
“To all that have participated in the Scheme since its establishment, I thank you for the show of patriotism, dedication and selflessness, which has kept the vision of the founding fathers alive.
“Finally, I once again thank you, gentlemen, of the press, for your support over the years. It is our hope that you will not relent as we continue to deepen our relationship as partners-in-progress for national development and integration.”
