Buhari will be remembered for his giant strides in youth development- Aisha Buhari

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, Tuesday said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari will be remembered as one, which places premium on youth development.

The first lady who disclosed this at the Flag-off of medical outreaches under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Health Initiative For Rural Dwellers (HIRD) held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the scheme, urged Nigerians to support the activities of Corps Members to help boost the economy.

She said “Mr President is particularly passionate about the NYSC. His support for the Scheme is driven by his belief in one Nigeria, and, sincere appreciation of the contributions of these young men and women. To this effect, the First Family always treat Corps Members serving in Daura, Katsina State, to Presidential reception during Sallah festivities.

The first lady noted that the scheme has made enormous impact, especially among rural dwellers, which has continued to attract commendation from both within and outside the country.

“While I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating the NYSC at 50, I call on the Management of the Scheme as well as the Corps Members not to relent their efforts in promoting unity of the country by providing quality service delivery to the Nation irrespective of State or place of service.

“I have noted with great satisfaction, the giant strides of the Scheme through the provision of health care to Nigerians.

Speaking further, she said “The introduction of the HIRD programme has largely been successful. As part of my Office’s appreciation, the donation of a well-equipped mobile clinic to the Scheme is to enhance the success of the Corps Medical team. I am sure that this facility would continuously assist in this respect.

“I am optimistic that the commemoration of the five decades of NYSC’s existence, couple with the introduction the HIRD outreach, will further validate the argument for the continued relevance of the Scheme.

In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig Gen Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed noted that the National Youth Service Corps has remained an enduring platform for the mobilization of human and material resources for the actualization of the development of Nigeria.

“The Scheme has long been a catalyst of our socio-cultural, political and economic development.

“Like other developing countries, Nigeria faces challenges in its health sector, but concerted efforts are being made by various stakeholders, including the NYSC, with a view to making the system more functional.

“As a Scheme that has continued to expand its frontiers in the delivery of services to Nigerians, NYSC launched its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme in 2014. It is a platform through which Corps medical personnel comprising Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, and Dentists, amongst others, provide free and quality health care for the people, especially the rural poor.

He said “I am pleased to report that, so far, over three million Nigerians have benefitted from this initiative. The outreach being flagged-off today comes just five weeks after a similar one we conducted at the IDP Centre, Malaysia Garden, Abuja, where people came out in large numbers to receive free treatment for various medical conditions.

“We made other special interventions such as the administration of vaccines, sensitization of the community on HIV/AIDS prevention and sanitation, among others.