News
First Lady Thumbs NYSC’s Resilience and Innovations in National Integration
…Commissions Scheme’s Digital Museum and Television Studio
By Joel Ajayi
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Olufemi Tinubu, CON, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its resilience and innovative contributions to national development. She highlighted the Scheme’s advancements in science and technology, agricultural development, healthcare delivery, and community service, all of which have significantly propelled Nigeria forward.
The commendation came during her official commissioning of the NYSC Digital Museum and Television Studio on Thursday at the General Yakubu Gowon Building, NYSC Headquarters, Abuja. The newly commissioned world-class facilities aim to preserve the Scheme’s dynamic history and showcase its contributions to national development.
In her address, the First Lady emphasized the pivotal role of NYSC since its inception in 1973 in fostering patriotism, promoting national unity, and encouraging service among Nigerian youth.
According to her, “The NYSC Scheme, in its over 50 years of existence, has served as a platform for national development and integration, bridging the gap between youth potentials and community needs.”
She further described the digital museum as “a dynamic chronicle of our shared history, values, and aspirations as a nation,” adding that it reflects the selfless contributions of corps members across various sectors, including science, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and community service.
“The Nigerian youth embodies an indomitable spirit that the world admires—a spirit of resilience, innovation, and boundless energy. This commitment to nation-building is perfectly captured in the first stanza of the NYSC anthem, which speaks of dedication and selflessness, even under challenging circumstances,” she said.
She praised the NYSC for adopting technology in preserving its legacy, aligning with global best practices and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to harness innovation and technology for inclusivity and a thriving digital economy.
“By embracing this initiative, the NYSC has created a tool for civic education that underscores the immense potential of Nigerian youth, united in purpose and enriched by diversity,” the First Lady added. She concluded by officially declaring the Digital Museum and Television Studio open, dedicating it to the glory of God and the benefit of humanity.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawale, also spoke at the event, describing the facility as a significant resource for preserving the history and contributions of Nigerian youth.
“This digital museum will allow us to reflect on our past and inspire future generations. It serves as a symbol of knowledge and unity, encouraging young people to positively contribute to society,” he said. He urged Nigerian youth to utilize the museum for research and innovation rather than merely following fleeting trends.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, highlighted the significance of the digital museum in preserving the Scheme’s rich history and contributions.
“The NYSC Digital Museum marks a milestone in our efforts to document the remarkable achievements of the Scheme over the past five decades. It serves as a vital center for research, cultural preservation, and a testament to the innovative spirit of our corps members,” he said.
He noted that the museum would not only be a repository for artifacts and memories but also a major tourist attraction, showcasing the invaluable contributions of Nigerian youth to national development.
The unveiling of the digital museum and television studio reflects NYSC’s commitment to preserving its legacy while leveraging technology to inspire future generations.
News
Ogunlesi backs Tinubu reforms as FIRS chairman Adedeji highlights export-led economy
Joel Ajayi
After a high-level meeting with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi expressed renewed confidence in the country’s economic reforms, indicating potential mega investments across energy, aviation, and port sectors.
He was joined in that optimism by Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), who stressed that the reforms were laying the groundwork for an export-driven economy.
Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Ogunlesi praised the sweeping policy changes under Tinubu’s administration, including the removal of subsidies, tax reforms, and the revival of a refinery already exporting aviation fuel.
“We had an excellent meeting where we discussed how to put Nigeria front and center for international investment. The President was very encouraging, and we shared useful suggestions on driving economic growth,” Ogunlesi said.
Although he declined to reveal specific details, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and assessing new opportunities.
“Watch this space. Nigeria is not yet the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,” he teased.
Pressed on the sectors of interest, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewables. Drawing on his firm’s experience with LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he noted Nigeria’s massive untapped gas reserves.
On aviation, he acknowledged his reputation as “the guy who bought Gatwick Airport” and signaled interest in similar ventures locally.
He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé but none in Nigeria, a point Tinubu reportedly challenged him on.
“He forgave me but said, ‘you have to bring port investment to Nigeria,’” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.
International investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie, who was also present, underscored the importance of diaspora participation in Nigeria’s growth story.
“When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in Nigeria, it sends a strong signal to the world,” he said, lauding Tinubu’s policies for making the country “investable.”
Echoing the sentiment, FIRS chairman Adedeji described the reforms as the foundation for an export-led economy.
“We’ve done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,” he said.
With global players signaling confidence, the momentum for Nigeria’s economic repositioning is gaining ground, setting the stage for transformative investments in key industries.
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