Group commends NYSC for promoting national integration in the southwest

The Coalition of Progressive Yoruba Youths (CPYY) has hailed the National Youth Service Corps scheme for fostering unity across the country, particularly in the southwest.

The group gave the commendation after a strategic tour of the scheme’s operations in the region.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday in Lagos, President, Kola Salau, saluted the NYSC authorities for prioritising the welfare and security of corps members at a time the nation is plagueed by multiple security and economic challenges particularly COVID-19.

The Coalition of Progressive Yoruba Youths said it is satisfied with the state of the NYSC facilities and measures across the South West orientation camps.

“As a group of patriots, with unflinching belief in one united Nigeria, we wish to commend the leadership of the NYSC under the Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, for using the scheme to promote national integration and unity, at this time, when the country is passing through a very challenging period in its journey to nationhood,” Salau said.

He added that the “NYSC scheme has not derailed from its set objective, as it has continued to serve as one of the only true nationalistic institutions in the country today, encouraging cultural integration and building bridges of cohesion and harmonious coexistence across the diverse ethnic nationalities in Nigeria”.

The group further noted that the proposed NYSC trust fund is the climax of the many reforms the scheme has witnessed over the years, appealing to “well-meaning Nigerians to support the trust fund, so as to mitigate the devastating effect of the unemployment rate in the country”.

Salau added, “The Trust fund which if approved by Nigerians and their representatives at the National Assembly, will provide start up capitals for corps members after their service year, will equally prove effective in curtailing the post service depression and hopelessness that often affect majority of Nigeria’s ex corps members, who after a meritorious service to their fatherland, are ushered into a bleak future, devoid of a platform to release their energy, and eke out a living. This will also minimize crime as the youths will now channel their vigour towards more productive ventures that will positively benefit the society”.

The CPYY noted that the “NYSC has also undertaken practical measures to ensure the welfare and safety of corps members. We are also confident that the efforts of the scheme to get a rebate on flight charges for corps members, will help eliminate the risk often associated with the transportation of corps members to their various states of deployment”.

It, however, expressed gratitude to the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim and the various state coordinators for the conducive environment availed the group during this tour.