General Yakubu Gowon, The former Head of State revealed the purpose for setting the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme was to obtain national union and unity among Nigerians.
Gowon declared this in Abuja at a sensitisation workshop on the NYSC Act. Cap N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria under the theme, ‘NYSC: Call to service.’
He said;
“When my administration established the NYSC with the promulgation of Decree No 24 of May 22, 1973. The objective was to ensure that Nigeria remained an indivisible entity that would be focused on sustainable development.
Though the establishment of the scheme was followed by a protest throughout the length and breadth of the country. The NYSC has remained relevant in national development.
The decree, which is now an Act, spelt out sanctions for the evasion of service and illegal participation.
The establishment of the scheme was initially met with misgivings. It did not take long for it to earn the acceptance of Nigerians”.
Gowon urged to government at all levels to grant provision and maintenance of orientation camps, corps members’ lodges and their welfare as eminent.
Nigerians should call to mind the bold step we took over 46 years ago to provide a platform for young Nigerians to play their part in actualising our vision of a a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
“A world of difference exists between the NYSC in 1973 and today. We started the Scheme not long after the civil war with less than 4,000 corpers.
Today, the current Director-General is handling about 350,000 corps members at once. That shows you the growth of Nigeria itself.
Such phenomenal rise alone depicts the nation is moving forward irrespective of what is being said in certain quarters.
“Those of us who have served this nation and know what is going on, know that Nigeria is going forward despite the internal and external setbacks.”
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