Gowon: NYSC Survived Despite Initial Resistance and Misgivings from Nigerian Youths

The founder of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Dr. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has celebrated the scheme’s survival and growth over the past 50 years despite initial resistance.

Gowon made these remarks during a visit from the NYSC management, led by Director General YD Ahmed, to commemorate his 90th birthday on Friday.

He expressed his gratitude to God for “sparing my life thus far” and thanked Nigerians for their goodwill.

The former head of state also acknowledged the NYSC family for their visit and commended the unwavering commitment of successive batches of Nigerian graduate youths in upholding the scheme’s ideals of nation-building, unity, and integration.

Reflecting on the past, General Gowon noted, “Initially, there was resistance from the youth at the inception of the NYSC,” but emphasized that “despite the initial misgivings, the scheme has grown into a significant success story with immense contributions to national development.”

In a heartfelt moment, the Director General and his team sang “Happy Birthday” to the nonagenarian, expressing their gratitude for his longevity.

General Ahmed explained that the visit aimed to wish the former leader a happy birthday and presented him with a life-sized birthday card on behalf of the entire staff and corps members nationwide.