By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
The Taraba State coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Ella Aji Williams has described NYSC as a national covenant that has sustained unity and development across Nigeria.
Speaking in Jalingo at the event Marking the 53 years of the NYSC, said the celebration was a moment to reflect on the vision behind the scheme and its impact over more than five decades.
He noted that the NYSC was established on 22 May 1973 through Decree No. 24 under Gen. Yakubu Gowon as a healing instrument after the civil war.
According to him, corps members had provided critical manpower in education, healthcare, agriculture, and rural development.
“History will forever remember NYSC not merely as a government programme, but as a national covenant, a covenant binding together the dreams of millions of young Nigerians across tribes, tongues, cultures, and creeds,”
“Ancient iroko tree through periods of national uncertainty, transforming graduates into ambassadors of unity and agents of development.
“Corps members have taught in remote schools where hope once flickered dimly. They have attended to patients in underserved communities where healing hands were scarce,” he stated.
Williams highlighted the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme for shifting thousands of young Nigerians from job-seeking to job creation, added that the green khaki had become a symbol of discipline and patriotism during elections, public health campaigns, and disaster response.
He also paid tribute to corps members who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation, emphasized that their sacrifice remained evergreen in the conscience of the country.
He urged Nigerian youths to rise above ethnic prejudice, religious intolerance, and misinformation, said the task of the present generation was not just to inherit Nigeria but to rebuild it into the prosperous and united nation envisioned by the founding fathers.
While commending corps members serving in Taraba for their commitment across the state, thanked the Taraba State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, employers, and other partners for their support.
The guest speaker, Mr. Tony Ekirigwe, NYC Deputy Director spoke on the role of corps members in fostering unity and national integration.
High points of the celebration was the cutting of the NYSC @ 53 cake and trees planting to commemorate the anniversary.
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