Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon said introduction of Skill Acquisition and Enterprenueship Development SAED programme to orientation course by the NYSC since 2012 has been a blessing to Nigeria, especially the large number of Nigerian Youths that passed through the scheme.
General Gowon who is also the founder of National Youth Service Corps NYSC maintained that SAED programme has created job opportunities for youths who are now business owners and employers of labour in the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. He urged youths to pay more attention to vocational training and skill acquisition.
General Gowon stated this on Wednesday May 17th ,2023 while inaugurating an ultra modern ICT Centre and SAED Exhibition at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.The inauguration is in continuation of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the NYSC.
On the newly commissioed ICT Building former Head of State, commended NYSC Management for the digitalization of NYSC mobilization process ,which has made registration of prospective corps members seamless exercise.He therefore called on Corporate organization, government establishment, religious bodies and other stakeholders to support the scheme to consolidate on the feats recorded in the last fifty years.
Gowon also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to assent the proposed NYSC Trust Fund which has scaled through the National Assembly ,he said the assent would provide training facilities and also start up capital for Corps Members.
In his remarks,the NYSC DG,Brig Gen Yusha’u Dogara Ahmed commended the former Head of State, Gen (Dr) Yakubu Gowon (rtd) for his passion for the development of Nigeria, which led him to envisioned and established the National Youth Service Corps, fifty years ago. He also expressed his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Honourable Minister for Youth and Sports Development and other stakeholders for their support for the scheme.
General YD Ahmed in his speech also said the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the 21st century cannot be over emphasized.
“Most organisations and corporate entities have been transiting their processes and procedures from analogue to digital platform to promote delivery of excellence, fast, efficient, world class services with minimal errors and less human interference.
“NYSC has no reason not to lead the way. The vision of the Scheme is to become the leading light of youth organizations in Africa. This is premised on the fact that the youth, a vibrant segment of the national demography under the management of the Scheme has over the years been championing the use of ICT in bringing about a more efficient society, through their various ICT based and other services to the fatherland.
“Undoubtedly, the NYSC programme has since become an integral part of Nigeria’s national development strategy, providing a platform for these ICT savvy graduate youths to gain practical work experience, contribute to the development of their host communities, and promote understanding and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
“Over the years, the operations of NYSC have become heavily challenged with tons of data in its daily activities owing to the increasing number of Corps members. The introduction of ICT in its operations has become inevitable and an essential tool for the smooth running of all areas of Corps administration.
“With the expansion of the structure of the Scheme in 2014, the Information and Communication Technology Department was established. The Department was formely at the NDHQ but later moved to the extension at Area 11 for inadequate office space where they have been operating till date.
” It took the foresight of Management to commence this beautiful edifice bringing the ICT Department back to this place in a more befitting working environment for better service delivery.
” It has been months of hardwork and to God be the glory, the NYSC ICT building is now completed with state-of-art facilities and ready for commissioning” NYSC DG stated.
The ceremony had in attendance; retired NYSC Directors-General, retired Directors, NYSC Management, National Governing Board Members and other dignitaries across the country.
