By Blessing Odega
Mr Jonathan Yavala, State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Plateau, says the scheme has impacted virtually every home in Nigeria through its mobilisation activities and community development programmes.
Yavala said this on Friday in Jos, when the scheme celebrated its 53rd anniversary.
The coordinator noted that over the years, corps members had contributed to sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture and rural development, particularly in underserved communities where essential services are limited.
“Through mobilisation and community development service projects, the impact of the NYSC has been felt in virtually every home and community across the country,” he said.
The state coordinator said the NYSC was established in 1973 to promote national unity and integration.
He said the scheme has continued to play a significant role in the social and economic development of communities across the country.
According to the official, NYSC remains one of the few national institutions with a presence in all parts of Nigeria through its network of staff, corps members and community-based initiatives.
Yavala said that currently on the Plateau, over 10,000 corps members were deployed to schools, hospitals, government establishments and private organisations in every part of the state, where they provide essential support and services.
He reiterated the importance of the Community Development Service (CDS) component of the scheme, which encouraged corps members to identify challenges within their host communities and execute projects aimed at improving the living conditions of the community.
The official commended the governor of Plateau, Caleb Mutfwang, for the continuous support extended to the scheme.
He further commended the various collaborating agencies such as the Nigerian Army, police, Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), among others.
Yavala also commended the staff and corps members of the scheme for their resilience, commitment and loyalty not just to the scheme but to Nigeria at large.
“Your devotion to the unity and integration of our nation is yielding dividends; your sacrifices are yielding enduring legacies by holding our nation together,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to hold the nation sacrosanct by promoting our similarities above interests or differences.
Similarly, Maj.-Gen. Eyitayo Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation Enduring Peace in Plateau, in his goodwill message, lauded the scheme for its enormous contributions towards youth development and community service.
Oyinlola, who was represented by Col Adamu Iliya, commended the NYSC for its role in promoting national unity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NYSC scheme was created by the federal government as part of efforts to foster national cohesion and encourage young graduates to contribute to national development outside their states of origin. (NAN)(http://www.nannews.ng)