The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo insisted that youth development will continue to be prioritized by the Federal Government through policies and programmes that empower them not only for economic survival, but also to prepare them for the future leadership roles of the country. This was made known in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 50 years anniversary celebration of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), in Abuja on Monday.
The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare, and Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, among other dignitries.
The Vice President, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, highlighted the importance of youth empowerment as a key driver of national development.
He said, “It is gratifying to note that NYSC has continued to renew and make itself indispensable by evolving policies and programmes that have clearly identified it as a foremost institution for development in the country.
“On our part, we will continue to accord priority to youth development through policies and programmes that will empower them not only for economic survival, but also for future leadership roles in our dear country.”
Also, the Minister of youth and Sports while delivering his speech applauded the NYSC for its contributions towards socio-economic growth in the country.
Dare said, “Through its programmes, the Scheme has made invaluable impact in various aspects of national development, including providing health care to our rural communities, while its contributions to education and rural infrastructure are legendary,”
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier Yushau expressed his immense gratitude to the Federal Government for its continued support to the scheme.
He also reiterated the commitment of the NYSC to its mandate of promoting national unity and development.
“In 50 years, the NYSC has effectively discharged its mandate, overcome operational challenges under several administrations to stand the test of time.
“This is better appreciated against the backdrop of the fact that some institutions that were established about the same time the NYSC birthed, or much after have gone under, being unable to weather the storms of existential threats,” He concluded.