It was with deep sadness that the Director – General, Brig Gen S Ibrahim, Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps received the shocking news of the transition of Maj Gen HB Momoh rtd., the 6th Chief Executive of the Scheme, who proceeded on the journey to eternity on Saturday, 25th April, 2020, and his remains interred, Sunday, 26th April, 2020.
Gen Hafiz Momoh served as Director – General from January 1990 to January 1994.
He will always be remembered as a dynamic and highly charismatic Officer who initiated a lot of positive changes during his tenure as Director – General, thus deepening the relevance and contributions of the Scheme to overall national development, particularly at the grassroots.
His tenure as Director – General witnessed the promulgation of the NYSC Decree 51 of 16th June, 1993 which repealed the NYSC Decree 24 of 22nd May, 1973, today quoted as NYSC Act CAP N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The Act revolutionised the operations of the Scheme. Among others, it made provisions for the establishment of Zonal Offices which brought the administration of the Corps closer to the grassroots, in addition to the establishment of Local Government Committees in each of the 774 Local Area Councils in the country.
The Committees have been saddled with the primary responsibilities of seeing to the security and welfare of Corps Members; and the strengthening of the community development service initiatives of Corps Members.
The Act changed the official designation of the leadership of the Scheme from National Director to Director – General.
It is very apt to state that even after so many years that Gen Momoh exited the NYSC, his passion for the Scheme never waned.
Interestingly, the Corps continued to tap from his vast field of experience whenever occasion demanded, which of course he always gladly obliged.
Saying that he will be sorely missed by the NYSC Family which he was so much passionate about is to understate an obvious fact.
By his transition, the Momoh Dynasty has lost an illustrious son; the Scheme a great and dependable mentor; the Nigeria Army, a consummate Officer – and – gentleman; and Nigeria, a great patriot.
Our heart goes out to his immediate family and the larger Momoh Family, as well as the Auchi Kingdom in this moment of grief and trial.
There is no gainsaying the fact that his transition has left a gaping hole that will be very difficult to fill in many years to come.
It is our earnest prayer that the aggregate of his good works, abiding faith in God, and the forgiveness of his sins by the most merciful God guarantee him admittance to everlasting happiness.
The Director – General, Brig Gen Shuaibu Ibrahim, Management and Staff of the Scheme convey deepest condolences to the Momoh family.
May God grant the family fortitude to bear the pain of the separation.
Adenike Adeyemi (Mrs)
Director, Press and Public Relations
