May 22, 2026
The Kogi Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Chika Chris-Moneke, says the scheme has continued to contribute positively to national development since its establishment on May 22, 1973.
Chris-Moneke stated this on Friday in Lokoja during activities marking the 53rd anniversary of the scheme.
She noted that the NYSC had made significant impacts across key sectors of the nation’s economy, including health, education, and infrastructure.
Chris-Moneke was represented at the event by Mr Olayinka Obisesan, Assistant Director, Planning, Research and Statistics.
According to her, the scheme’s achievements and contributions to nation-building make it worthy of celebration.
On behalf of the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Olakunle Nafiu, we are celebrating to let Nigerians know that the scheme has done so much for the nation and deserves recognition,” she said.
She added that the scheme had continued to equip corps members with vocational and entrepreneurial skills through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, enabling them to become self-reliant after service.
Chris-Moneke urged corps members to take the SAED programme seriously, stressing that it provides opportunities for business creation and economic independence.
“We encourage corps members to contribute positively to their host communities through Community Development Service (CDS) projects.
“We can see the fingerprints of corps members in various communities through initiatives such as women empowerment, construction of bus stops, drilling of boreholes, establishment of school libraries, and other interventions,” she said.
Also speaking, the Assistant Director, SAED, Mrs Patience Eguaikhide, said corps members could now create wealth independently rather than relying solely on white-collar jobs.
Eguaikhide disclosed that more than 3,000 corps members were trained during the just-concluded NYSC orientation camp in the state, with each participant acquiring at least one vocational skill.
She noted that the Director-General had consistently encouraged corps members to learn multiple skills, emphasising that skill acquisition has no age limit.
The Assistant Director, Corps Inspection and Monitoring, Mr Emmanuel Eko, advised serving corps members to remain disciplined and responsible in their places of primary assignment.
He reminded them that they represent not only the NYSC but also their families and communities.
Speaking on behalf of corps members, Miss Oyeyemi Akingboye described the NYSC programme as a life-changing opportunity that had broadened her horizons through skill acquisition and community development activities.
NYSC has impacted my life in many ways. It promotes national integration and has exposed me to several opportunities through SAED and CDS activities,” she said.
Akingboye encouraged both intending and serving corps members to view the scheme as a platform for making meaningful contributions to society.
Another corps member, Mr Moses Akinloye, commended the Federal Government for sustaining the scheme, noting that it has positively influenced Nigerian youths and promoted development across sectors.
Miss Josephine Obomhense also expressed optimism that the NYSC would continue to empower corps members economically through the SAED initiative.
She said the fashion design skills she acquired through the programme had enabled her to earn additional income alongside her monthly allowance.
The end.
