In an address to declare open the ceremony of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) 50th anniversary, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says the NYSC has played a significant role to “reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild” Nigeria. However, many Igbos in the South-East still feel aggrieved and marginalised.

Mr Osinbajo said the scheme recorded numerous achievements, especially in promoting national unity and integration.

The vice-president explained that the scheme was conceived as a pivot of national unity and integration to accelerate the process of national healing after the unfortunate 30-month civil war, which led to a divided nation yearning for unity.

He stressed that there “is no doubt that since its inception 50 years ago to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after the civil war, the NYSC has continued to play a significant role in actualising the role of building an indivisible nation.”

Mr Osinbajo added, “I want to congratulate management, staff, board members and youth corps members nationwide and all Nigerians on the 50th anniversary celebration, which I can describe as the celebration of another NYSC’s unquantifiable contributions to nation-building.

The vice-president also commended the “heroism of the retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon-led government that came up with the idea of establishing the NYSC in 1973,” noting that the NYSC was “specially designed to harness the potential of young dedicated Nigerian graduates toward the path of national development.”

He pledged the federal government’s commitment to youth development through policies and programmes that would empower them for economic survival and future leadership roles.

(NAN)