By Saheed Ibrahim

The Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has emphasised that no institution has unified Nigeria more than the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), hence calling for its sustenance.

Aiyedatiwa spoke at the public lecture in Akure to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the scheme.

The Deputy Governor, represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, said the scheme was worth celebrating as it had transformed from a toddler to a giant despite many odds.

Aiyedatiwa said the scheme was established as a response to Nigeria’s need for reconciliation and reconstruction after the civil war.

“The scheme was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile, and rebuild the nation after the civil war that literally tore Nigeria apart.

“There have been attempts to question the continued relevance and sustainability of the NYSC Scheme in view of its numerous challenges. Surprisingly, not a few have gone to the extreme of advocating that the scheme be scrapped.

“These shenanigans became more vociferous lately as a result of the level of insecurity across the nation, inadequate infrastructure in the orientation camps and the shabby treatment of Corps Members by their employers.

“However, there is a significant question we must ask ourselves. If the NYSC had not been created, what other State Institution would have been able to perform the great responsibilities being discharged by it to the nation?

“At the risk of being immodest, I dare say there is none! Nothing could take the place of an institution that has distinguished itself in the last fifty years, surviving all the odds and waxing stronger.

“The benefits of the NYSC are too fundamental and material to our existence as a nation. It is an institution that has made giant contributions to national development and has passed the sustainability test.”

While stating that it was best for the nation that NYSC was sustained, he concluded that all hands must be on deck to invest more in the scheme through funding, material supports and other necessary investments to sustain its relevance.

Delivering the anniversary lecture, a former Deputy Registrar (Academics) at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Dr. Adedayo Adedeji, described the NYSC as the most enduring legacy of the military in Nigeria.

He identified that the scheme had promoted cultural and inter-ethnic integration, community development, leadership and entrepreneurial skills acquisition, stating that “there can be no better scheme than the NYSC.”

While identifying insecurity, poor funding, accidents and other issues as challenges of the scheme, he urged it advocated for posting Corps members to institutions their skills are relevant, provision of safety insurance, accommodation, proper funding and commitment of institutions to the welfare of Corps members.

Earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Victoria Ani, said the scheme was established for national development and integration, urging Nigerians to continue supporting the scheme.

The Deji of Akureland, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye advocated for more support for the scheme.

Highlights of the event included traditional dance, the cutting of anniversary cake, an exhibition of entrepreneurial skills and award presentation.