NYSC @48: Call for scrap not the ideal thing – State Coordinator
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe Coordinator of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Ada Imoni, has cautioned those calling for the scrapping of the organization to rethink, adding that the scheme is a stop gap.
Imoni made this disclosure on Saturday, during Batch A stream II cultural cultural carnival commemorating NYSC @ 48 at Amada, temporary orientation camp ground, Akko LGA, Gombe.
She noted that the scheme has promoted National unity and integration, stressing that no organization has brought more people from various background like the NYSC, which instills national cohesion.
According to Imoni, the cultural carnival tagged ‘NYSC at 48 unity March’ is in commemoration of the anniversary of the scheme’s existence and far reaching impact.
She said, “You also know that NYSC has impacted alot in Nigerian youths. This is a stop gap, I don’t think the call for the scrapping of the NYSC is the ideal thing.
“You need to watch our programme on television you will see them making impact in the rural areas you will see our teachers, doctors. In the remotest part they are the ones there. If you go to Bayelsa, when you go to the Escravos they are the ones there teaching extra moral classes, changing the Nigerian story.
“One of the objectives of establishing this Noble scheme is for the promotion of national unity and integration. The orientation course has brought together youths from diverse backgrounds, ethnic and religious beliefs to form mini Nigeria.”
The state coordinator further urged corps members to take it upon themselves the task of uniting the country.
“Remember, it is your responsibility as agents of change to unite our dear country, by shunning all forms of social vices, hate speech and bigotry. I call on you to strive to see yourselves as brothers, sisters in the struggle to promote the ideals of the National Youth Service Corps.
“As we celebrate NYSC at 48 through the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, let us all make up our minds to have an indivisible Nation as we promote love for one another by putting our country first before anything else,” Imoni added.
Also, Adam Abdullahi, graduate of electrical engineering, expressed happiness about the scheme, adding that it presents corps members with unique opportunities.
He said, “I feel very excited about the NYSC scheme and the opportunities it presents to serving corps members. I’m really very glad about the exhibition of rich culture Nigeria and indeed the state is known for.”
On his part, Richard Peter, from Oyo state. He urged the Federal Government not to be persuaded by the calls for the scrapping of the scheme.
“It will be a big mistake from the Federal Government, if they scrap NYSC, because this is a mini country on it on. The advantages of the scheme outweighs the perceived disadvantages,” Peter said.
Highlight of the carnival includes; spoken word, cultural display by the various platoons, cooking competition and so on.
