07/03/2025
NYSC Rallies Stakeholders to Revamp Community Development Efforts
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) South West Area Office II, Abeokuta, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth-driven community development by hosting a high-level stakeholders' workshop at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Themed “Five Decades of Community Development Service: Building Partnerships for Effective Youth Participation,” the workshop brought together key government officials, academics, and stakeholders to explore strategies for revitalizing the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) program for greater impact.
Declaring the workshop open, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isaka, commended the NYSC for its unwavering dedication to community service. He emphasized the crucial role of youth in nation-building, citing Nelson Mandela’s words: "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." He also referenced former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s statement that "Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation," stressing the need for their active participation in sustainable development.
Abiodun highlighted Ogun State’s investment in youth empowerment, including vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship programs aimed at equipping young people with the skills to drive economic and social progress.
In her keynote address, NYSC South West Area Office II Director, Mrs. Olaleye Francisca, called for a renewed focus on the CDS program. She emphasized the need for an in-depth evaluation to address urgent community needs while acknowledging that dwindling funding has affected the program’s effectiveness.
NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs. Olayinka Diana Nasamu, presented a paper titled "Five Decades of Community Development Service: Building Partnerships for Effective Youth Participation." She underscored the importance of forging strong collaborations to ensure the success of NYSC’s CDS initiatives.
Dr. Rotimi Olukoya, Deputy Registrar of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, stressed the critical role of partnerships in enhancing Corps Members' contributions to community development. He noted that government agencies, non-governmental organizations, international bodies, and philanthropists must provide the resources and expertise needed to support impactful projects.
Speaking on national development, Professor James Adedayo Oguntuase outlined NYSC’s role in fostering unity, discipline, education, healthcare, and skill acquisition. He described the scheme as a vital force in bridging Nigeria’s diverse regions and equipping Corps Members with hands-on project management experience while making a lasting impact on host communities.
The workshop featured interactive sessions with contributions from Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christina Salwang; Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Abel Odoba Oche; and other key stakeholders.
At the end of the event, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the NYSC CDS program, ensuring that Corps Members continue to drive meaningful development in communities across the country.