Niger governor condemns calls for scrapping NYSC

The Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has kicked against the call by some Nigerians for the scraping of the National Youth Service.
The governor who spoke at the swearing in ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘A’ (Steam 11) corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp in Paiko, Niger State said that after 43 years of its establishment, the scheme remains an enduring vehicle for national unity and integration in the country.

Bello maintained that the primary objective of the scheme is to develop common tie among the Nigerian youths and to promote national unity and integration, adding, “In my opinion I feel this is still very relevant.”

He, however, pointed out that at the implementation process, there is the need to be more innovative to emphasise the inculcation of discipline and moral values in the youths.

The governor, therefore, warned all government agencies, ministries and parastatals not to reject corps members posted to them for their primary assignments, stressing such act will not be tolerated by the government.

Also speaking at the occasion, the state coordinator of the scheme, Mrs. Bolade O. Loto agreed with the governor that the scheme be sustained, pointing out that, since the inception of the scheme in 1973, it has been saddled with the responsibility of inculcating selfless service to the community and emphasising the spirit of oneness of all Nigerians, regardless of their social and cultural backgrounds.

Loto, while thanking the governor for the support the scheme has received from the government in the state, said that a total of 2001 corps members were deployed to the state for the 2016 Batch A stream 11 national youth service.