Victoria Benedict
Jonathan Ukodhiko, the member-elect of the Federal House of Representatives, has said that the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) has fostered national unity among Nigerians in its 50 years of existence.
Making the assertion on Wednesday in Abuja in his goodwill message to commemorate the Scheme’s 50th anniversary, Ukodhiko said: “The NYSC Scheme has recorded landmark successes in fostering national unity and integration since it was created 50 years ago, May 22, 1973, through Decree No. 24 by Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s military regime to keep Nigeria one.
“Also, the Scheme has been impactful in the areas of mass literacy, education, sports development, primary healthcare delivery and, human and entrepreneurial development.
“The NSYC Scheme has infused in participants values such as self-discipline and self-reliance, charity, oneness, the spirit of patriotism and nationalism, honesty, loyalty and purposeful leadership .”
According to Ukodikho: “The NYSC programme remains a relevant tool for peaceful coexistence, national cohesion, economic growth and advancement.
“But then, I expect the next administration to tackle the serious issues of worsening insecurity, kidnapping and backlog of corps members with a sense of urgency and purpose.”
Ukodhiko acknowledged the enormous contributions of both past and serving participants of the mandatory NYSC programme to nation-building.
The Isoko Federal lawmaker-elect sought for the improvement of the welfare of corps members and increase in their allowances.
“I must commend the Governing Board and management of the NYSC scheme for the introduction of the Skills Acquisition Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme.
According to him, “The programme has no doubt stirred up interests in corps members for creative productivity, wealth creation and self-employment.
“However, the scheme’s Skills Acquisition Entrepreneurship Development programme is still faced with the challenge of poor funding.
“Thus, I join in the call for adequate funding of the programme for the provision of capital for business start-ups, mentorship programme for economic empowerment of the corps-members for practical engagement in post-NYSC life,” Ukodhiko added.
