Ajirioghene Imah
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja, Olusade Adesola has urged all stakeholders to show stronger commitment to the success of the Community Development Service of the NYSC.
Adesola stated this at the launching of 2023 Community Development Service Activities and Director General’s Awards, with the theme; “Deepening Collaboration and Optimising Corps Members’ Contributions through CDS for Nation Building,” held in Abuja.
According to him, the Scheme has done exceptionally well in promoting harmonious co-existence of Nigerians of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds in its fifty years of existence.
Adesola, who was duly represented by the Director, Finance and Administration, Justina Pawa commended NYSC for providing the opportunities for young graduands to gain work experience, acquire leadership skills and make great contributions to nation building.
He noted that the President has unveiled his blueprint for the Nigerian youths, while the present administration will accord priority to the Scheme in view of its immense contributions to the overall development of the country.
He further enjoined existing Corps Members to key into the CDS programme and make their impact felt by their host communities.
The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed in his address said Community Development Service is one of the Cardinal Programmes of the NYSC, and a platform for Corps Members to further contribute to national and global development.
He disclosed that Corps Members during service identifies the felt needs of their host communities and work with the inhabitants to mobilize resources for execution of planned projects.
Ahmed listed some of the activities carried out such as; construction of school structures, health centres, roads and culverts; provision of water as well as mentorship of pupils/students in Science, Technology, Arts and Information Technology through guidance, conduct of quiz and extra-mural lessons among others.
“Over the years, Corps Members have, through the CDS, made enormous impact on communities all over the country, apart from bridging the imbalance in rural-urban development, their efforts also reawaken stakeholders’ consciousness of the needs of the rural dwellers”, He said.
