From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, has declared that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has proved its relevance in facilitating unity, integration and development in the country.
She spoke at the launch of the medical outreach under the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the scheme in Abuja on Tuesday.
Aisha also said that her husband, President Muhammadu Buhari is particularly passionate about the NYSC, adding that; “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.”
“I am delighted to address this august gathering on commemoration of its 50th Anniversary and flag-off of the second quarter medical outreach, organised by the NYSC under the HIRD.
“Let me congratulate the DG and all members of NYSC on its Golden Jubilee. It is not in doubt, that the sustenance of any organization for 50 the hurdles of survival years is a testimony of its relevance and, ability to weather through in particular, the Scheme has proved its relevance in facilitating unity, integration and development of the nation.
“It is notable 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. The introduction of the 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,” she said.
While identifying and felicitating with the NYSC on the feat, she noted, Aisha said: “I call on all well-meaning Nigerians and partners to support the activities of Corps Members to help boost the economy. I would like to state with all sense of modesty, that the administration of President Buhari will be remembered as one, which places premium on youth development.
“To this effect, the First Family always treat corps members serving in Daura, Katsina State, to Presidential reception during Sallah festivities. While congratulating the NYSC once again on its 50th Anniversary, it is my honour and privilege to declare this special HIRD week open,” she said.
Earlier in his address, the Director General NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, said that health scheme is a platform through which Corps medical personnel, comprising Doctors, Pharmacists, Nurses, and Dentists, provide free and quality health care for the people, especially the rural poor.
“Since its establishment five decades ago, the National Youth Service Corps has remained an enduring platform for the mobilization of human and material resources for the actualization of the Nigeria of our dream. 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 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.
“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,” he noted.