By correspondent
LAGOS/Nigeria: The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), describing the scheme as a critical driver of national unity, integration and development over the past 53 years.
Chairman of the Lagos NYSC Governing Board and Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, stated this during activities marking the 53rd anniversary celebration of the scheme in Lagos.
Ogunlende said national unity remained Nigeria’s strongest bond and a necessary foundation for sustainable growth and development.
“There is only one thing that keeps us together as a country and that is unity.
“We must continuously identify with this scheme to foster unity, which is key to national development,” he said.
He noted that the NYSC had remained relevant through its promotion of peaceful coexistence, national integration and interaction among Nigerians from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The commissioner urged corps members to remain committed to national development by supporting government initiatives, obeying the law and making meaningful contributions at their places of primary assignment.
He also assured corps members of the Lagos State Government’s continued commitment to their welfare and security throughout the service year.
Earlier, Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, reaffirmed the scheme’s role in strengthening national integration, youth empowerment and community development.
According to her, the introduction of batches and streams had enhanced the smooth administration of the programme and improved its capacity to accommodate the growing number of graduates mobilised annually.
“It has helped the scheme effectively manage the thousands of graduates enrolled annually,” she said.
Salmwang described the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme as one of the most impactful initiatives introduced by the NYSC.
“SAED has made the service year more rewarding and helped address graduate unemployment through entrepreneurial and vocational training,” she stated.
She commended the Federal Government, Lagos State Government, traditional institutions, security agencies and employers of corps members for their continued support toward sustaining the scheme.
“As we commemorate this 53rd anniversary, let us reflect on the scheme’s core values of unity, integrity, diligence, self-reliance and service to humanity,” she added.
The coordinator noted that the NYSC had further strengthened national unity through inter-tribal marriages and exposure of young Nigerians to diverse cultures and traditions across the country.
She also praised corps members for their contributions in critical sectors including education, healthcare, environmental sanitation, digital literacy and community development.
Salmwang urged corps members to remain disciplined, patriotic and dedicated to national service throughout their deployment.
She disclosed that activities lined up for the anniversary celebration included sanitation exercises across local government areas as well as visits to orphanages and elderly care homes.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mrs Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, also challenged corps members to contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
She urged them to add value to their host communities, embrace learning opportunities and always give their best in every assignment.
Established in 1973, the National Youth Service Corps was created to promote national unity and integration through compulsory one-year service by Nigerian graduates outside their states of origin.
