The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, has been described as a major bridge builder that has continued to strengthen national unity and grassroots development across Nigeria since its establishment in 1973.
The Osun State Coordinator of the scheme, Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, stated this during a rally organised in Osogbo on Friday to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the NYSC.
Kubiangha said the scheme, founded on May 22, 1973, had continued to demonstrate its relevance in addressing national and community challenges through the deployment of corps members across the country.
According to him, “The NYSC has played a critical role in promoting national integration and manpower distribution among states and local government areas.
“Every local government you go to in Nigeria, you will see a corps member there serving.”
He added that the movement of young graduates from one part of the country to another had helped in fostering understanding among diverse ethnic groups and improving service delivery in communities.
“If you see the level of manpower shifting from one place to another, you will realise that the NYSC has done this nation so much good,” Kubiangha stated.
The coordinator commended the Osun State Government for its support towards the welfare of corps members serving in the state.
He maintained that despite challenges confronting the scheme, the NYSC had remained focused on its mandate of nation-building and youth development.
“NYSC has not lost focus. Independent National Electoral Commission, National Orientation Agency, National Population Commission, UNICEF, World Health Organisation and the nation itself cannot do without NYSC,” he said.
Kubiangha acknowledged concerns relating to insecurity in some parts of the country but noted that the scheme had continued to thrive despite such difficulties.
“I will not say there are no hiccups. There are hiccups. Hiccups from fear of insecurity, but God has been faithful to the scheme,” he added.
Earlier, the Director of NYSC South West Area Office 1, Osogbo, Olubukola Abiodun, said the scheme had come to stay because Nigerians could reflect on its contributions over the years.
Abiodun noted that since its inception in 1973, the NYSC had impacted several sectors of national life, particularly education and healthcare, while also preparing graduates for the realities of the labour market and future employment opportunities.
NYSC remains national unity bridge builder after five decades — Osun coordinator
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