By Saheed Ibrahim

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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, who 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.

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.