By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

The State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna, Mrs. Efeke Dadaza, has described the scheme as a major force for national unity, integration and development in Nigeria.

Dadaza spoke on Friday in Kaduna during the commemoration of the 53rd anniversary of the NYSC, celebrated simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

She said the scheme, established on May 22, 1973 by former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, emerged after the Nigerian Civil War to promote reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.

According to her, the NYSC has grown from mobilising fewer than 2,000 corps members at inception to over 300,000 annually across the federation.

She noted that the scheme had evolved beyond national service into a respected institution contributing to education, healthcare delivery, rural development, electoral services and entrepreneurship training.

The coordinator said the anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to appreciate staff, corps members and partner agencies for sustaining the scheme over the years.

“If NYSC were a human being at 53, the person would most likely be a parent or even a grandparent,” she said.

Mrs. Dadaza described the NYSC as a “parent and grandparent” to many Nigerians, considering the millions of youths mobilised since 1973.

She commended officers, staff and corps members for their sacrifices, resilience and commitment despite various challenges confronting the scheme.

The coordinator urged corps members to remain ambassadors of peace, tolerance and national unity in their places of primary assignment.

She also advised staff members to uphold professionalism, transparency, punctuality and respect for constituted authority in the discharge of their duties.

Dadaza said discipline, patriotism, integrity, accountability and selfless service must continue to guide the activities of the scheme.

Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth Development, Gloria Ibrahim, praised the NYSC for promoting national unity and youth empowerment since 1973.

Ibrahim, represented by Mrs. Lami Usman, Director of Youth Development in the ministry, said the scheme had continued to provide opportunities for young graduates to interact across diverse cultural backgrounds while contributing to national development.

She said the NYSC had recorded remarkable contributions in community development, education, healthcare delivery and youth engagement across the country.

According to her, the resilience and dedication displayed by corps members nationwide remained commendable and inspiring.

Ibrahim added that the government would continue supporting programmes and initiatives that enhance the welfare, safety and productivity of Nigerian youths.

She encouraged corps members to continue serving with integrity, diligence and commitment to excellence.

The commissioner congratulated the Kaduna NYSC coordinator, officials, serving and former corps members on the anniversary celebration.

She expressed hope that the scheme would continue to grow stronger in fulfilling its mandate of building a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

The Chaiman of Kaduna South Local Government Area, Mr Rayyan Hussein, represented by Ibrahim Umar, congratulated the NYSC management, staff, corps members and alumni on the scheme’s 53rd anniversary celebration.

Hussein described the NYSC as a vital institution that had continued to promote national unity, discipline and youth development across Nigeria.

He commended corps members for their contributions to community development, education and healthcare services in their host communities.

The chairman urged corps members to remain committed to peace, patriotism and selfless service in the discharge of their responsibilities.

The corps members, expressed appreciation to the NYSC management and staff for their dedication to the welfare, growth and development of corps members across the country.

They described the scheme as a platform that had continued to promote unity, cultural integration and national service among Nigerian youths.

The corps members also pledged to remain committed to the ideals of patriotism, discipline and selfless service in their host communities.(NAN)