NYSC important for national growth, togetherness – General Olawunmi

News NYSC important for national growth, togetherness – General Olawunmi Published on April 15, 2026 By John Owen Nwachukwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); A former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Major General Johnson Olawunmi, Rtd, has said the Scheme is still important for bringing people together and helping the country grow for more than 50 years after it started. He said the NYSC has kept up with the values it was created with and has met Nigeria’s expectations in every way, even though the program has faced some challenges. Olawumi stressed that the importance of the Scheme was very high, pointing out the NYSC’s significant contributions in community development, important actions in national programs, promoting unity, and bringing people together through culture. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); He said these efforts have made the NYSC a national tool, helping to connect people from different religions, social classes, and cultural backgrounds. Olawumi shared his opinions about the NYSC during a conversation with the current Director-General of the Scheme, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who recently visited him in Abuja. He also praised the excellent qualities of the NYSC staff. He said they were some of the top people he had ever worked with. He told General Nafiu to use their abilities for good leadership. General Olawumi said he keeps watching what the Scheme is doing and gives his opinion when it’s needed. The NYSC Director General, General Nafiu, stated that the reason for the visit was to honor his previous leader and to take the chance to praise the strength and resolve he showed while leading the NYSC. He specifically praised him for starting the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) program. Through this program, Corps Members bring healthcare directly to rural communities and poor Nigerians. They also help with e-registration for Corps Members. Major General Johnson Olawumi served as the Director General of NYSC from January 2014 until April 2016. Don't Miss Labeling Igbos, IPOB members terrorist sponsors flawed – Ejimakor to Nigerian govt You may like NYSC, Police strengthen ties for improved corps security ‘Nigerians are proud of their NYSC experiences’ – UN chief, Felipe Paullier ‘NYSC here to stay’ – Pioneer DG, Colonel Ali Controversy trails arrest of UNILESA graduate over NYSC mobilisation delay NYSC announces date for Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation camp NYSC extends service year for 12 corps members in Osun

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/15/nysc-important-for-national-growth-togetherness-general-olawunmi/