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Osinbajo, Jega Others Extol NYSC’s Giant Strides @50

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

…Calling on Govt. For more Fund

Joel Ajayi

The Vice President of the federal Republic of Nigeria Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Others has heaped huge praises on the development giant stride of the NYSC as the scheme celebrate 50 years of establishment.

It will be recall that that NYSC was established on the 22nd of May 1973 for purpose of fostering Unity, cohesion as well to to build a united indivisible, prosperous and egalitarian country by the then head of state General Yakubu Gowon.

They gave this commendations at the opening ceremony and anniversary annual lecture of the NYSC at 50 on Monday in Abuja, in the presence of hundreds of present and past stakeholders.

The anniversary has it’s theme: “5 Decades of Forstering National Unity and Development” where present and past stakeholders were gathered to celebrate the meaningful impact of the scheme to the growth of Nigeria in the last 50 years.

Vice President who was represented by the Minister of power Engr Abubarkar D. Aliyu described NYSC as an indispensable pillar to Nigeria’s unity, as the scheme celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Speaking on the theme, “NYSC Five Decades of Fostering National Unity and Development,” Osinbajo congratulated the management staff and corps members for sustaining the purpose for the establishment of the scheme.

According to him, the story of NYSC has been that of growth and development which brought about unity and national integration.

“There’s no doubt that since its inception, NYSC has continue to play a significant role towards building indivisible nation.”
He further urged Nigerians to support the Programme and activities of the scheme.
Also, he commended the initiator of the Scheme, General Yakubu Gowon for establishing NYSC to harness the potentials of young graduate towards national growth.

While speaking, the guest lecturer, former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, said the scheme has been providing opportunities for youths to learn the diverse cultures that exist in the country.
Jega who said it is a wonderful experience to participate in the one year mandatory service.

“NYSC in Nigeria is, no doubt Africa’s leading programme and agency for purposeful and targeted youth mobilization for national development. In no other country in Africa are hundreds of thousands of educated and skilled youth mobilized annually for compulsory national service, to address national developmental gaps, as is the case in Nigeria.

“This has been on-going in Nigeria now for five decades, with millions having served in the scheme, and with tremendous value addition to national progress and development. Almost two generations of Nigerian graduates of tertiary institutions (at home and abroad) have participated in the NYSC scheme, an overwhelming majority of whom served in states/regions other than their own, providing them with invaluable exposure to, and lived experiences in, sociocultural contexts different from their own.

In the past 5 decades, through the NYSC, skilled and trained Nigerian youth in their millions have, in various ways, made significant contributions, and added remarkable value, to Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

“There is no doubt that, in the post-civil war Nigeria, i.e. since the middle of the 1970s, the NYSC has facilitated, if not catalysed, national integration, which is one of the core objectives of the scheme.

However, he stressed that Corps Members deserve a descent allowances that can aid them carry out their functions, while commending the initiators of the NYSC scheme, especially Gen Gowon.

Despite the successes, the former INEC chairman pointed out that the scheme is facing some challenges that need to be addressed, which includes welfare of staff and corps members, amongst others.

He noted that the prospect of the scheme depend on how the government address the challenges and reposition it.

“Government will need to address the funding of the scheme and ensure the security of corps members in national service.”

Jega further stressed the need for NYSC to be voluntary with enough incentives.

In his opening remarks, his the Director General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed said for the five decades NYSC has distinguished itself in various sectors in the country.

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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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