65 former National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) volunteers have been given automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigerian president also cited the program’s many accomplishments since its founding 50 years ago while speaking at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award ceremony on Thursday at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

According to the president, 52 of the 65 honorees received Presidential Honours Awards, and the remaining 13 were ex-Corps Members with physical disabilities who were recognized via the NYSC Hope Alive program.

Buhari announced both groups would receive scholarships to continue their studies up to the doctoral degree level at any university of their choice within the nation in addition to the employment.

As part of the NYSC Hope Alive Program, he also announced cash awards totaling N250,000.00 for each of the top award winners and N200,000.00 for the other award recipients, including the physically challenged ex-Corps members.

In order to assure adherence to the employment offers and the awarding of scholarships, the president issued an order to the Head of the Federal Civil Service, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education.

Buhari also utilized the occasion to honor corps members from the batches being honored who died while serving the country in a variety of conditions.

‘‘But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees. May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines.

”The nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity,’’ he said.
‘‘Your labour shall not be in vain,’’ he said.

On the occasion of the NYSC’s Golden Jubilee, he also expressed his congratulations to the program’s founders and past and present directors, praising them for their steadfast faith in the program’s mission to mobilize young people for national cohesion and advancement.

For their patriotic fervor and dedication to the NYSC mandate, Buhari commended all Nigerians who had responded to the call for National Service during the previous 50 years.

He claims that by establishing it as an interventionist organization with the primary goal of promoting national unity nationwide and eradicating ethnic tensions and divisions, it has successfully justified its formation.

On the occasion of the NYSC’s Golden Jubilee, he also expressed his congratulations to the program’s founders and past and present directors, praising them for their steadfast faith in the program’s mission to mobilize young people for national cohesion and advancement.

For their patriotic fervor and dedication to the NYSC mandate, Buhari commended all Nigerians who had responded to the call for National Service during the previous 50 years.

He claims that by establishing it as an interventionist organization with the primary goal of promoting national unity nationwide and eradicating ethnic tensions and divisions, it has successfully justified its formation.

Buhari also extended his sincere gratitude to retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who was responsible for the corps’ conception and establishment on May 22, 1973.

‘‘The NYSC has continued to afford successive batches of Corps Members as the veritable platform to make meaningful contributions, in the various spheres of our national life,’’ he said.

The president praised the corps members in particular for their part in the COVID-19 pandemic response, which included the production and distribution of necessary supplies like face masks, hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and food and other relief supplies to the country’s hungry.

He commended them for maintaining their composure and objectivity while working as ad hoc staff for the Independent National election Commission (INEC), including throughout the 2023 General Elections, which helped to raise the legitimacy of the election process.

Through beneficiary enumeration, the president recognized their efforts to the successful implementation of social intervention programmes including N-Power and the school feeding program.

‘‘I hasten to state without equivocation that with the quality of youths such as these, the future of this country, which rests upon their shoulders, is guaranteed.
”I give kudos to my dear diligent, patriotic and virile youths. You have done very well; and the Nation is very proud of you.

‘‘The success story of the fifty-year-old noble scheme will be incomplete without conspicuous mention of your outstanding contributions,’’ he said.

Buhari pledged continuing government support for young projects while acknowledging the critical contribution of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program in diversifying the national economy toward a more production-oriented model.

He used the N75 billion Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) as an illustration of an empowerment program meant to support youth-related activities and build a better Nigeria.

The president praised the NYSC Management for its efforts to generate income and urged them to continue their dedication.

He also recognized the support of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who provided a well-equipped ambulance for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinic and praised the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers.

Buhari urged people and corporate entities to imitate this act in order to increase access to high-quality healthcare, particularly in rural areas.

On the need to reinvent the NYSC through the establishment of a Trust Fund, Buhari said he had been ‘‘briefed adequately’’ on the matter and commended the Management for the initiative.

He vowed to support any sincere efforts made to help the program accomplish its tried-and-true goals.

While praising the former corps members selected for the presidential honor, Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, noted that their efforts and admirable achievements reflected the good ideals they exemplified during their service year.

“By distinguishing yourselves among hundreds of thousands of Corps members, you embody the nation’s pride and serve as a source of inspiration for other young people in Nigeria.

”Your strong sense of discipline, selflessness, dedication to work, exceptional community service, innovation, and leadership qualities enhance our hope for the country’s future.

”I am confident that this award will motivate you to render even greater service to our homeland.

“To the current corps members and other young individuals, it is my sincere hope that you will emulate these awardees by embracing higher ideals of patriotism.

”In everything you do, always prioritise Nigeria and let it manifest through sacrifice and dedicated service to our beloved nation,” he said.