Why we established NYSC Radio, TV station — General Ibrahim
Uji Abdullahi Iliyasu
Abuja
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Thursday in Abuja flagged-off the operations of its radio and television stations, declaring that it would complement the mainstream agencies in preserving the nayion’s unity.
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon; Minister of Youth and Sports Development Sunday Dare; Chief of Army Staff Lt. General Farouk Yahaya, were present at the event.
Sunday Dare was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development Alhaji Isma’il Abubakar, while the Army Chief was represented by Major-General PP Malla.
NYSC urges corps members to initiate personal, group community development service projects.
Speaking at the occasion, Director-General of NYSC, Major General Shuaibu Ibrahim said the broadcast stations were not a duplicate or replacement for existing media agencies of the government.
“The establishment of NYSC Radio and Television is part of the whole gamut of activities designed to further advance the cause of the Scheme, which today symbolizes national unity.
“The NYSC is at the forefront of raising a crop of youth entrepreneurs that contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Products through their exposure to the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) training.
“While the NYSC Radio broadcasts do Channel 88.3 FM in Abuja the NYSC Television runs on TStv Channel 365,” General Ibrahim said
The DG also said the promotion of national ethos as well as value reorientation were the main reasons behind the formation of the media outfit.l
He added that the existing media arms of the Scheme not enough to redirect the mindset of youths towards national integration.
“The philosophy behind the establishment of these stations is multifaceted. They will educate and entertain: give the Scheme a stronger voice to propagate the programmes and sensitize Nigerians on the policies of government.
“In addition, they will promote national unity and ethos, as well as value re-orientation. Thus, they will contribute in redirecting the mindsets of Nigerians, especially the youth, towards things that are noble.”
In his keynote address, General Gowon said the NYSC was only one of the many solutions instituted by his regime half a century ago to tackle the many socio-political problems facing the country aftet the civil war.
He said, “It is because of my love and trust for the young people, especially at that stage of our development (after the civil war) that was why we instituted the NYSC. I can assure you that we look forward to them becoming the leaders of the country.
“The Scheme has, in almost five decades of its existence, successfully harnessed the potentials of our graduate youths as models for defining patriotism, credible and quality leadership as well as economic regeneration.
“So, these media outfits will serve as veritable tools for driving our quest for national unity: cohesion and purposeful development.”