The President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, praised the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for the wisdom of setting up the National Youth Service Corps in 1973.
As the initiative turns 50 years, Buhari said the NYSC has “truly achieved the goal of national integration, by providing opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and establishing a bridge for improved understanding.
This is according to a statement signed on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, titled ‘President Buhari celebrates NYSC at 50, commends Gen. Yakubu Gowon for the vision.
Founded on May 22, 1973, the NYSC was created to provide “an avenue for the reconciliation, reconstruction, and rebuilding of the nation after the civil war.
It was established based on decree No. 24 “With a view to the proper encouragement and development of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity.
In his message on Friday, the President recalled that one of the joys and highlights of his regime has been the annual ritual of receiving corps members in his country home in Daura, Katsina State, during Eid-el-Fitr Sallah, and the conversations that follow in getting to know their various states, languages, family trees and educational institutions, and asking about their welfare.
He congratulated the former Head of State, Gowon, and all 21 past and present Directors-General of the Corps for inspiring and sustaining a 50-year legacy that has strengthened a web of solidarity, ignited loyalty to the nation, broadened the horizon of citizens, promoted civic responsiveness, justice, peace, and unity.
Buhari expressed the belief that the NYSC remains one the strongest ideals of nation-building, institutionally encouraging inter-cultural and inter-religious marriages, resettling of people of various tribes in different parts of the country, exploration of entrepreneurship and business opportunities in places, removing insularity among citizens, and enabling a new culture of oneness, brotherliness, and neighborliness.
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