UN Official Lauds NYSC as Key Driver of Youth Development in Nigeria

UN Official Lauds NYSC as Key Driver of Youth Development in Nigeria

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical driver of youth development in Nigeria, underscoring its impact on nation-building and grassroots interventions.

Paullier made the remarks during the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) at Kabusa community in the Federal Capital Territory, where he commended the scheme’s role in empowering young people and improving lives.

“I have interacted with many young and old Nigerians who are proud of their NYSC experiences,” he said, noting that his visit to Nigeria was aimed at engaging youth-focused institutions and stakeholders to advance youth participation in development, peace, and human rights.

He particularly praised the scheme’s free medical outreach to rural communities, describing it as a vital contribution to building a healthier and more inclusive society.

Earlier, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that since the inception of HIRD in 2014, over five million Nigerians have benefited from the initiative, with about 45,000 more expected to benefit this year.

Nafiu attributed the planned expansion of the programme to the donation of two mobile clinics by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, which he said would enhance access to healthcare in underserved communities.

“The NYSC’s free healthcare initiative contributes to the Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the United Nations, which focuses on good health and well-being by improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles,” he said.

“The HIRD programme also supports SDG Goal One, which aims to end poverty, as the free medical services reduce the financial burdens on vulnerable households and encourage informed health decisions, strengthening overall community wellbeing,” Nafiu added.

He also revealed that the scheme plans to introduce free minor surgical procedures for rural dwellers under the HIRD platform.

The NYSC boss commended the First Lady for what he described as a “visionary and generous donation,” while also appreciating partners, donors, and corps medical personnel for sustaining the initiative over the years.

“I am proud of you and your valuable contributions to our nation’s development. Your selfless services will always be remembered,” he said.

In his remarks, the Dakachi of Kabusa, Chief Samuel A. Kpowu, expressed gratitude to the NYSC for bringing free healthcare services to his community, describing the outreach as unprecedented.

Also speaking, the Acting Director, Community Development Service and Special Projects, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, outlined services provided during the two-day outreach, including health education, medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye care, and referrals.

The event featured the inspection of two newly launched mobile clinics by the UN official and the NYSC Director-General, as well as health talks delivered by corps medical personnel, including Else Ibrahim, who translated key messages into the Gbagyi language for wider community understanding.