Mr. Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, says the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is here to stay because its contributions to national development are undeniable.
Dare spoke in Abuja on Saturday night at the premiere of “A Call to Service,” an advocacy film produced by the NYSC.
The film was created to raise awareness of the scheme’s importance in promoting patriotism, national unity, peace, and cohesion.
Nollywood actors such as Pete Edochie, Toyin Abraham, Ali Nuhu, Belinda Effah, Imeh Bishop, also known as “Okon Lagos,” and comedian Anita Asuoha, also known as “Real Warripikin,” were among those who appeared in the film.
The minister praised the film’s timely release, noting that the scheme’s relevance has recently come under public scrutiny and debate.
“The timing of this film couldn’t be better after weeks and months of debates about whether the NYSC is relevant or not, and whether the scheme should be scrapped or continued.”
“The premiere of this film is the answer to the critics, to the anti-NYSC crowd.” This film must travel and be seen on every viewing platform in the United States and the diaspora; it must go viral.
“The message must be loud and clear that the NYSC is here to stay.” “The scheme is more relevant than it has ever been,” said the minister.
Dare stated that the film’s release would help the ministry with its plans to establish the NYSC Trust Fund.
He believes that by the end of the first quarter of next year, when we have completed all necessary steps, he will be able to present a memo to the (Federal Executive) Council for the establishment of a NYSC Trust Fund.
Former Head of State and NYSC initiator Gen. Yakubu Gowon has urged the Federal Government’s legislative and executive arms to take the necessary steps to establish the NYSC Trust Fund.
Gowon, who was represented by Mr Yusuf Nalado, Member, NYSC Governing Board, stated that the gesture would ensure the scheme’s survival and the future of Nigerian youth.
Gowon urged Nigerians to continue to support the scheme in order for it to fulfill its mandate.
The NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim, stated that the scheme produced the film to drive the scheme’s relevance and to provide a platform for corps members to develop their potential.
Ibrahim stated that the film also aimed to educate local and foreign-trained graduates on the importance of national service and the legal ramifications of failure to comply.
“You are all aware that, due to its invaluable contributions to national unity and development, NYSC has long become a household name in Nigeria.”
“In particular, its role in training and mentoring youth in preparation for future leadership responsibilities has been lauded by all.”
“The film we are releasing today is part of the current management’s innovative approach to raising awareness of the scheme’s importance.”
“It is an advocacy and sensitization tool that is expected to influence a greater commitment of stakeholders to their roles and responsibilities as outlined in the NYSC Act Cap N84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, and the NYSC Bye-Laws.”
According to Ibrahim, the film is also being made to encourage local and foreign-trained Nigerian graduates who are eligible for national service to volunteer after graduation.
He claimed that doing so would keep the graduates from being charged with absenteeism, absconding, or certificate forgery.
According to the director-general, the film was produced under the schemes movie production platform “NYSCwood,” which was established to educate the public on relevant issues.
“At the time of the film’s production, some of the actors were serving in the military.” JairusPaul Osazuwa, a corps member, did, in fact, produce the film.
“This is consistent with our policy of allowing corps members to reach their full potential.” In this regard, we founded the NYSC movie production platform, which we dubbed NYSCwood.
“We have already produced several short films to educate the public on issues such as elections, safe blood donation, and the campaign against open defecation.”
“Aside from using our films as tools for entertainment and education, the NYSCwood will serve as a training platform for corps members interested in pursuing a career as professional movie actors while also generating revenue for the scheme,” Ibrahim explained.
He also stated that the scheme had signed a collaboration agreement with the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to provide a platform for corps members to develop and expand their creativity.
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