By G9ija
As part of the activities to mark the celebration of the National Youth Service Corp’s 50th anniversary themed; 5 decades of fostering unity and national development, the NYSC Osun State has embarked on a Unity Walk within the State metropolis.
The Unity Walk which was held nationwide in line with the directive from the Directorate Headquarters was the first in the lined up activities marking the golden jubilee of the NYSC.
Speaking at the flag off of the Walk on Monday, which started from the Secretariat in Osogbo to the popular Freedom Park, the Director Southwest Area, Mr Amusan Oluwole Julius, appreciated the Management of the Scheme in the State for mobilising Corps Members and for the organised planning of the Walk.
According to him, the NYSC Scheme which was at first a child of necessity birthed as a result of the civil war to rebuild, reconstruct and reconcile the nation has today become a household name spanning five decades. Amusan highlighted some of the many achievements of the Scheme stressing that the NYSC has over the years fostered unity and development.
He also stated that the Scheme has brought about developments in the educational, health, infrastructural and agricultural sector. Also, through the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), the NYSC Scheme has equally succeeded in making the nation’s graduate youths think and tend more towards Entrepreneurship than succumbing to the frustration of seeking employment which is scarce.
He then admonished Corps Members to maintain orderliness and discipline during the Walk, guaranteeing their safety.
Speaking earlier, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Agbor Ndoma Obim eulogised the Director General, Brig. Gen. YD Ahmed for approving the week-long celebration of the golden jubilee of the Scheme stressing that it was a well deserved honour and celebration.
Agbor said that the Scheme was created 22nd May, 1973 to unite and integrate the nation, instil discipline in the Nigerian youths, instil spirit of self reliance in the youths, among others. He said further that the golden jubilee is a special anniversary which the Scheme cannot but celebrate because of how far it has been able to achieve and is still achieving its objectives. He said programmes have been lined up to mark the golden anniversary which include: novelty match, lecture, thanksgiving, among others.
Agbor stated that the NYSC Scheme has been remarkably impactful in fostering unity and national development by promoting national integration, inculcating discipline among corps members, building skills through its entrepreneurial programmes, etc, hence the need for a grand celebration.
He added that the essence of the walk is to create awareness among citizens concerning the activities of the Scheme. “We want the whole world to know about all that NYSC has been doing”, he stressed.
Agbor appreciated the Director Southwest Area and his entourage for choosing to hold the Walk with the Osun State Secretariat and also applauded the Corps Members for turning out enmass to for the historic Unity Walk.
At the end of the event the Director, southwest Area, and the State Coordinator congratulated Corps Members for being able to successfully complete the Walk. “I asked that you should be orderly and you done just that. I am so proud of you all” were the words of the Area Director.
They also noted that the Walk was just the first activity in the anniversary celebration as other events are scheduled to hold from the 17th of May through 25th to mark the anniversary, hence, Corps Members are advised to continue working diligently, avoid unnecessary travels, and remain good ambassadors of the Scheme.