NYSC DG highlights scheme’s role in achieving food security in Nigeria
By CHRISTIANA LOT, Jos –
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has underscored the essential need to align the scheme’s initiatives with the Federal Government’s goal of achieving food security in Nigeria.
He highlighted that this commitment reflects the NYSC’s determination to address significant agricultural challenges while contributing to the nation’s overall development.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual Management Conference in Jos, Plateau State, on November 4, Ahmed explained that the conference theme, “51 Years of National Service: Enhancing the Role of NYSC in Achieving Food Security,” was chosen to demonstrate the organization’s proactive stance in supporting national initiatives.
He explained “Our resolve to key into the Federal Government’s policy on food security informed this theme,it is imperative that we recognize the vital role that the NYSC can play in this regard. We must enhance our efforts in agriculture and food production to ensure that our corps members contribute meaningfully to the nation’s food supply chain and help secure a sustainable future for all Nigerians.”
The DG further acknowledged that, while the NYSC has made significant contributions in areas such as education, health, and community development, it now has a unique opportunity to deepen its impact on food security within Nigeria’s socio-economic framework.
“For over fifty years, we have worked to bridge gaps across the nation, empowering young Nigerians and uniting communities.Now, as we focus on food security, we are addressing a need that affects every Nigerian household. This is about ensuring that every Nigerian has access to the most basic human necessity: food.”
Ahmed also highlighted ongoing challenges that the NYSC faces, including the increased corps population and stretched resources at orientation camps and lodges. Despite these obstacles, he expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s steadfast support, citing prompt funding and enhanced security measures as key enablers. while also acknowledging the cooperation of state governments in fulfilling their responsibilities under the NYSC Act.
While declaring the conference open, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Josephine Piyo, expressed his delight at the gathering and emphasized the significance of the event in promoting peace and development in the State and recognized the NYSC’s transformative role in national development, highlighting its contributions in areas such as education, health, and rural infrastructure
“I am honored that the Management of the NYSC chose Plateau State as a venue for this important conference despite misrepresentations about the state of security
“The NYSC Scheme, established to promote national unity post-civil war, has grown into a strategic player in our national life,” he stated.
He commended the NYSC management for their commitment to the vision of its founding father, General Yakubu Gowon, and acknowledged the ongoing efforts to combat unemployment through skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
The governor stressed the urgency of focusing on agriculture as a sustainable resource for poverty alleviation and food security. He stated, “To navigate these difficult times, there is a need for us to fall back on Agriculture, which remains our most sustainable economic resource.” He urged stakeholders at all levels to support the NYSC’s mission and provide skill acquisition centers for corps members.
The two-day conference featured expert-led lectures and discussions on revitalizing NYSC farms to generate employment and empower youth, engaging corps members in the agricultural value chain to enhance national food security, and promoting self-sufficiency in food production within NYSC orientation camps.