The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen. Yusha’u Ahmed, has called for more support from the National Assembly, to enable the scheme to continue to discharge its mandate of uniting Nigerians.
According to him, the support from the legislative arm of the government will assist the NYSC to consolidate achievements recorded in the last 50 years of its existence.
The NYSC DG made the appeal when he visited the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth Development, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Youth Development, Martins Esin.
Ahmed, while congratulating the lawmakers on their emergence as chairmen of the Senate and House Committees, said the “NYSC would not relent in its contributions to national unity, socio-economic development of the country, youth empowerment, wealth creation, among others”.
He added that there was a need to foster stronger relationships with the lawmakers, in order to prioritise the concern of the youth in the country.
In their separate remarks, Adaramodu and Esin promised to provide necessary support that would ensure the proper environment for the scheme to discharge its mandate.
Meanwhile, some corps members have stressed the need for Nigeria to build strong institutions so it can achieve sustainable growth and development.
Six corps members spoke last week at the 12th edition of the NYSC annual essay competition/national symposium with the theme “Building Strong Institution: A Pathway to a National Rebirth.’
The symposium, organised by the Bible Society of Nigeria, held in Lagos.
The six finalists argued that the building of a strong institution starts with the family, being the smallest institution in society.
A corps member serving in Cross River State, Praise Modekwe, who won the competition, noted that most developed countries achieved development by putting in place strong institutions that ensured that laws were obeyed.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the event, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said, “Without strong institutions, the future will be bleak. The wealthiest countries in the world have something in common; they have strong institutions.”
Also, the President of BSN, Bishop Olubunmi Banwo, who was represented by the society’s Treasurer, Bolaji Adisa, said there was no doubt that the country had strong men, but lacked strong institutions.
“Institutions are very important to stabilise mankind. You are the driver of strong institutions. You cannot erase the ancient landmark. You can only build on it,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Modekwe won the competition and went home with N400,000 and books.
