The Zamfara Coordinator of the National Youth Services Corps, Muhammad Lawan, has appealed to Governor Dauda Lawal to provide a permanent orientation camp in the state.
Lawan made the call while meeting with Zamfara Councils’ leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Gusau on Tuesday.
The coordinator lauded the governor for his support to the scheme, saying the gesture had enhanced the conduct of NYSC programmes and improved corps members’ welfare in Zamfara.
He said establishing a permanent orientation camp in Zamfara would provide adequate space, enhanced security and improved facilities for corps members during their service year.
According to him, the facility will strengthen the implementation of the mandatory three-week orientation course and enhance the overall effectiveness of the scheme in the state.
“The permanent orientation camp will also serve as a center for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development activities for corps members and other youths in the state.
“I appreciate the Zamfara Government under Gov. Lawal for the improved security provided for NYSC activities, as well as the enhanced welfare support,” he said.
Lawan commended the governor for the establishment of state NYSC Governing Board in the state in line with the NYSC Act.
“In Zamfara, the NYSC scheme has been doing a lot in the positive contributions of corps members to their host communities.
“Most schools and hospitals in the state will not operate optimally without corps members.
“If you move around the communities, you will find projects such as toilet facilities, borehole projects, mini-libraries, and skill acquisition projects initiated by our corps members for the benefit of their host communities,” the coordinator said.
According to him, the NYSC has continued to make significant impact in education, healthcare, community development, as well as rural development initiatives in the state.
“I congratulate, the Director-General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Olakunle Nafiu for celebrating the 53rd anniversary, marking over five decades of service to this nation.
“As you are all aware, the NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by the administration of Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd.).
“The scheme was created after the Nigerian civil war to foster national unity, integration, and mutual understanding among Nigerian youths from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds,” the coordinator further said.
He added that the scheme over the years continued to achieve its noble objectives through the deployment of corps members to various parts of the country, where they offer selfless service, and contribute meaningfully to their host communities.
He also restated the commitment of the scheme for fostering national unity, cultural integration, and community development, highlighting decades of impactful programmes that have transformed lives across Nigeria.
“Beyond promoting cultural integration, NYSC has undertaken numerous community development projects aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens,” he said.
The coordinator commended the media for its support and partnership with the NYSC.
“We value our relationship with the media and will continue to engage you in a transparent and professional manner.
“As partners in progress, I appeal to you to continue supporting us by giving adequate publicity to our programmes and highlighting the positive contributions of corps members across Zamfara,” he said.
(NAN)
