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NYSC, Catalyst Of National Development-Gen Gowon

Published

6 years ago

November 19, 2019

Joel Ajayi

The former Head of State and founder of the National Youth Service Corps Scheme, Gen Yakubu Gowon has commended the management of the Scheme for the grooming of successive batches of youth Corps Members for national development.

He posited that the contributions of the NYSC Scheme as a catalyst of socio-economic development of the country cannot be overemphasized.

Gen Gowon made this disclosure today when the Director-General of the NYSC paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.

Going down the memory lane, Gowon recalled that the Scheme which was initially rejected at inception has turned out to become the largest youth – mobilization agency in Nigeria, providing youths with the necessary platform to contribute their own quota towards national development in the spheres of Health, Education, Infrastructure, Agriculture, in addition to national assignments such as general elections, census, expanded programme on immunization, among others.

Gen Gowon also commended the security architecture that was provided for Corps Members especially during their recent participation in the Bayelsa and Kogi State elections whereby there was no casualty involving any Corps Member.

The former of Head of State was full of praises for the Scheme for the introduction of Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme into the Orientation course content, which he notes as an effective tool for youth – empowerment and direct answer to youth unemployment. He lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and other stakeholders that have assisted Corps entrepreneurs with loans which have helped them in establishing their businesses, thereby transforming them into wealth creators and employers of labour.

While briefing the NYSC founding father, Brig-Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim revealed that the NYSC management has intensified efforts aimed at sanitizing the Scheme’s mobilization process, so as to eliminate the prospects of unqualified Nigerians being mobilized for service.

He added that some of the unqualified graduates that were arrested during the 2019 Batch ‘B’ Orientation Course have been handed over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution.

The NYSC boss further disclosed that during the last verification of credentials of foreign-trained graduates, out of over 20,000 of them that uploaded their certificates, only 3,420 showed up for the exercise, having been forewarned to steer clear of the exercise if they parade questionable credentials.

Gen Ibrahim added that the Scheme has also intensified efforts at sensitising the various tiers of government on their obligations to the NYSC Scheme, particularly in respect of establishing NYSC State Governing Boards, as well as Local Government Committees which have the welfare of Corps Members as their cardinal thrusts. The DG also said the Scheme has enlightened State Governments on the need for the provision of befitting Orientation Camps and regular maintenance of the facilities which would enable hitch-free Orientation Course.

The Director-General hinted that awareness is also being created on the NYSC Act and the need for qualified foreign and Nigerian trained graduates to make themselves available for service immediately after graduation as enshrined in the Act.

The 18th Chief Executive of NYSC enthused that he would want to leave behind a Scheme that generality of Nigerians would be proud of and happy to identify with

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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