How FG sustains NYSC for nation building – Jonathan

Lagos—In what sounded like a fare-well speech, President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, affirmed that his administration at the onset recognized the strength and vision of the youth, that was why it worked with urgency to help them define their path, through the sustenance of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, scheme.

Jonathan, who spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of 2015 Batch ‘A’ Stream I corps members, deployed to Lagos State, at the NYSC Orientation Camp, in Iyana-Ipaja, boasted that with the necessary appropriation, his government was committed to supporting the NYSC scheme, thus positioning it as a leading light of youth organizations in world.

Represented by Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, President Jonathan said in the past 42 years, the NYSC has remained a beacon of hope in the country’s mission for a united nation, stating that it has exposed millions of youths to the cultures and traditions of Nigeria’s pluralistic society.

Affirming that his administration has put in place many beneficial interventions, which have increased the skills, self-confidence and self-sufficiency available to the youth, Jonathan, however urged the incoming administration of Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to continue to support and encourage corps members by fulfilling it’s statutory obligations to the scheme.

This is even as he commended the corps members who were sworn in for the successful completion of their academic endeavours, calling on them to dedicate themselves with renewed vigour, conviction and commitment to the progress and development of the nation.

He said: “I am greatly pleased to address you today, our promising young men and women, on your induction into the 2015 Batch ‘A’ National Youth Service Corps set, deployed to the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
“I congratulate all members of this batch for the successful completion of your academic endeavours, and your patriotic response to National Youth Service to your fatherland.

“Your call-up to serve your country is a worthy acknowledgment of your  consistent dint of hard work, and obedience to constituted authority. I welcome you all to the larger Nigerian society where you will gradually begin to make your individual and collective contributions toward national growth and development.

Jonathan, who affirmed that the concluding story of the last general elections cannot be complete without the mention of corps members, commended them for discharging their electoral duties with diligence, transparency and patriotism.