Over 100 youths from the 36 states and the FCT have protested against the ongoing call to abolish the National Youth Service Corps, arguing that it has become a part of the nation’s history and a representation of its unity.
Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retired), a former head of state, founded the NYSC in 1973 with the goal of reuniting and rebuilding Nigeria after the Civil War.
The programme aims to foster national unity and the formation of bonds between Nigerian youth.
The youths, who acted under the aegis of ‘Nigeria First’, said the NYSC scheme should be protected and preserved, since its objective was the promotion of national integration among Nigerians.
The spokesperson for the NF, Richard Augustine, stated these during a press conference which was held on Friday evening in Abuja.
He said, “We wish to state in unequivocal terms that the NYSC must not be scrapped, as it would amount to a great disservice to the country, if such a brilliant initiative is sacrificed on the altar of selfish aggrandizement by some vested interests in the country.
“Sadly, those against the existence of the NYSC have elected to turn the truth on its head for inexplicable reasons and link the continued existence of the scheme as responsible for the death of corp members and other appurtenances occasioned by the spate of insecurity in the country.
