By Ridwanullah Sakariyah
A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Johnson Olawumi, has said the scheme remains relevant to Nigeria’s unity and development more than 50 years after its creation.
Olawumi stated that the NYSC is “still relevant to national integration and development” and has continued “to live up to the ideals that informed its establishment,” despite the challenges confronting it.
He spoke in Abuja while receiving the current NYSC Director-General, Olakunle Nafiu, who paid him a visit.
According to Olawumi, the scheme has “met the expectations of Nigeria in all ramifications,” noting that its contributions to community development and national programmes remain significant.
He stressed that “the relevance of the Scheme could not be over emphasised,” while pointing to its achievements in promoting unity and cultural integration across the country. These efforts, he said, have positioned the NYSC as “a national instrument, building bridges across religious, socio-economic and cultural affiliations.”
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Speaking further, the retired general praised the quality of personnel within the scheme and described them as “amongst the best crop of personnel” he had worked with. He urged Nafiu to harness their potential for effective leadership.
Olawumi also disclosed that he still keeps a close watch on the activities of the scheme and offers advice when necessary.
In his remarks, Nafiu said his visit was to honour his predecessor and commend his service. He applauded Olawumi’s “tenacity and determination” while in office.
He specifically praised him for introducing key initiatives such as the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which he said brings healthcare “to the doorstep of rural communities and indigent Nigerians,” as well as the e-registration platform for corps members.
Olawumi served as NYSC Director-General from January 2014 to April 2016.
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