NYSC Delta Celebrate 47th Anniversary With Orphanage Homes, Gives Palliatives To Cleaners, Others

The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC in Delta, over the weekend, celebrated the 47th anniversary of the Scheme at two different orphanages in Asaba.

The State Coordinator, Mrs. Olutayo Samuel led members of the management team and corps members to the Mother of Divine Grace Orphanage and City of David Orphanage where the Scheme donated variety of food items to the management of the Homes.

Speaking at the occasion with NYSC band performing, Samuel said it was a conscious management decision to celebrate the 47th anniversary of NYSC with the Orphans at these Homes.

She said children are special gift from God and considering the role NYSC plays in Nigerian society, it was pertinent to come and celebrate with the children; adding that it was an opportunity to give them a sense of belonging.

The Coordinator stated that the 47th event was put together to let the children know they were loved, even as she said they were looking forward to a time when the children would also be in the Scheme to serve the nation.

Meanwhile, the Rev. Sister in charge of the Orphanage, Rev. Sister Stella Edet received the NYSC gift with joy, while praying for God to replenish them.

She said corps members had always come to the Orphanage to teach the children various skills and make donations to them too. She added that what the Scheme had exemplified today was remarkable and had proven their genuine love for the children.

Earlier at the NYSC Secretariat, the State Coordinator had presented food palliatives to the cleaners, drivers and security guards to commemorate the NYSC anniversary and to show appreciation to them for keeping faith with the Scheme in good and tough times.

Her words, “Looking back 47 years down the line, we have every reason to celebrate and thank God. Though Covid-19 has disrupted a lot of things, the management still felt we should celebrate no matter how small.

“NYSC has brought a lot of good to our country Nigeria and a lot other persons have benefitted. The Scheme has helped to sustain peace and unity in the country by erasing every form of negative mindset.

“I must earnestly also, appreciate our amiable DG, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim for ensuring that the mindset and intent of the founding fathers of NYSC is actualised.

The NYSC was founded by General Yakubu Gowon on May 22, 1973 with the aim of seeking unity in diversity and restoring peace to our dear nation. 47 years after, the Scheme has not only remained consistent but has achieved monumental successes in civic engagements and creating of opportunities.

“So I must commend our DG for his sterling leadership qualities in ensuring that potentials are harnessed within the Scheme to actualise the goals and purposes of the NYSC programme. And so the lockdown cannot hold us down from celebrating the goodness of God and an opportunity of this magnitude.

Therefore, we have decided to use this medium to celebrate these set of workers amongst us – the cleaners, the drivers and the security guards. We say thank you for all your efforts. Please kindly manage this token of our love; it is palliative to assist you in this period of Covid-19 lockdown”, Samuel explained.

However, some of the beneficiaries like Mr. Joseph Okwini, Mrs. Sarah Nwankwo and Mr. Chukwudi Obi could not hold back their joy as they rained prayers on the State Coordinator and her management team, asking God to continue to bless and prosper them in all ramifications.

It could also be noted that while this celebration was happening in Asaba, it was equally taking place simultaneously at the NYSC Warri Zone with a visit to the Heart of Delta Motherless Home, Effurun. It was also followed with the sharing of face masks and hand sanitizers at Okpe Local Government Area and other places.

 

 

By Patrick Ochei