News Review By Florence Obiukwu
One Nigerian institution that has continued to effectively play the role of national integration is the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) which yearly posts Nigerians graduates of various disciplines to states other than their own states of origin, to enable them appreciate the dynamics of other local cultures.
It was therefore not surprising, when recently; President Muhammadu Buhari lavishly commended the agency’s efforts at achieving social cohesion in the country.
The president said he is always pleased to see the NYSC achieving the purpose of national unity that inspired its creation since 1973.
Speaking to newsmen at his country home on Friday in Daura, Katsina State, after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, President Buhari said the NYSC scheme had over the years continued to pursue the purpose of integrating the country, noting that the diversity of cultures remained Nigeria’s greatest strength.
“I am always pleased to see corps members in Daura and other parts of the country. From the postings, we get to learn more about other cultures,’’ he said.
The President said the large number of corps members in Daura, mostly from the Southern part of the country, was an indication that the dream of a unified Nigeria remained a reality.
President Buhari noted that graduates from the North, who served in the Southern states, also learned a lot from the diversity that had made Nigeria a unique country.
Recalling his experience of working in various parts of the country as an army officer, President Buhari observed that serving in some Southern parts of the country like Lagos and Ibadan were very rich experiences.
The President was accompanied to the Eid-el-Kabir prayers by Presidential aides, members of his family, and neighbours.