AGAINST the backdrop of recent calls in some quarters for the scrapping of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) scheme , governors and eminent Nigerians yesterday lauded the programme.
Speaking at the passing out of the 2010 Batch B corps members, Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State expressed his satisfaction with the scheme for achieving the objectives of its founding fathers in forging unity among Nigerians of diverse cultural backgrounds.
Lamido who was represented by the permanent secretary in the State Ministry of Information Alhaji Hamza Ibrahim, said the scheme had contributed to the development of the state in almost all facets of life.
He added, “I consider it appropriate to remind you of the NYSC scheme among which is the promotion of national unity and cohesion. This determines your postings to places outside your States of origin and geopolitical zones.
Speaking in the same vein, Lagos State Babatunde Fashola, described as unpatriotic those calls for the scrapping of the scheme, saying that its relevance after forty years still remain outstanding.
Fashola spoke at the passing out parade of year 2010 Batch B Youth Corp members at the NYSC Orientation Camp,Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
According to him, the content of the scheme calls for a review instead of scrapping.
For his part, Niger State Governor, Muazu Babangida Aliyu said that rather than scrap the NYSC scheme, the Federal government should strengthen it to meet the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for national integration and cohesion.
Speaking in Minna yesterday at the passing out of the 2010 batch B Corps members, the Governor emphasised that the institution had helped the nation in building national harmony, national integration and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians of diverse backgrounds.
He described the killing of the corps members during the post election violence in some parts of the country as a heinous crime against humanity and insisted that those behind the act were enemies of democracy, and of the nation.
Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi commiserated with the corps members over their kidnapped colleagues whose whereabouts are still unknown.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Tele Ikuru, at the passing out parade in Port Harcourt yesterday, Amaechi said government was doing its best to ensure that corps members posted in the state returned to their families unhurt.
According to him, “It is not all of you that started this race that ended it today. Rivers State Government sympathises with each and every one of you following the criminal activities that were carried out on some of your colleagues who were supposed to pass out with you today (yesterday)”
However, he urged them to utilise the entrepreneurial skills acquired during the one year service to contribute their quota to the development of the nation.
In a related development, Zamfara State Governor Alhaji Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar in Gusau yesterday at the passing out parade, ordered the immediate payment of eight months outstanding allowances to NYSC members who served in the state.
Meanwhile, about 16 out-going corps members who served in Osun State and performed below expectations were penciled down for sanction by the NYSC.
And for their role during the April polls, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola commended the Batch B Corps members for enhancing free, fair and transparent polls.
He also paid tributes to some of their colleagues who were murdered in the wake of the crisis which greeted the announcement of the result of the election in some parts of the country.
Speaking at the passing out ceremony of the corps members yesterday at the Osogbo Township Stadium, Aregbesola expressed deep appreciation them for refusing to be compromised by some politicians who tried to subvert the last polls.
Similarly,10 out of the1,878 2010 Batch B corps members who served in Edo State are to have the service year extended over acts of indiscipline.
The Chairman of the NYSC board in the state and Commissioner Youths and Sports, Anita Evbuomwan stated this yesterday at the passing out parade at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Evbuomwan who represented Governor Adams Oshiomhole at the event said the action was “to inculcate discipline in our youths.”
SOURCE: GUARDIAN
Big congratulations to the Nysc batch B members that passed out yesterday for completing their 1 year service successfully.
May the souls of those amongst them who were victims of unfortunate mishaps that characterize the Nysc scheme rest in perfect peace. Amen
