A former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) said the National Youth Service Corps has remained a blessing to Nigeria as a nation.
Gowon, who is the founding father of the NYSC, also implored the government to ensure adequate funding of the scheme, which he said, has helped to build the country to a good level.
The former military head spoke during the public presentation of nine books written by the NYSC and a film, ‘Call to Service’, to commemorate its 48 years existence and contributions to the development and unity of Nigeria.
The books were unveiled by Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule; Director-General of the NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim and other dignitaries.
“It is gratifying and heartwarming that the NYSC scheme, which was established in 1973, despite the resistance that greeted it by some sections of the populace at the time, has now grown and matured to become a national household name and organization.
“There is no doubt that the NYSC has contributed more than any organization to nation building. In view of what has been said about the NYSC scheme, greater efforts should be made by the government to strengthen it by ensuring greater funding of the scheme”, Gowon said.
Meanwhile a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Youths Development, Yemi Adaramodu, who commented during the event said the scheme would not be scrapped by the lawmakers.
He added that “NYSC has come to stay in view of its contribution to national integration and nation-building.”