By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia, Sierra Leone is among other African countries that have visited Nigeria to study the long ongoing National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in the country.
This was revealed by Mrs. Okaplifo charity, the Bayelsa State Coordinator of the NYSC over the weekend in Nigeria.
According to the Daily Post, she disclosed this during the award ceremony and dinner as part of the NYSC 50th anniversary ceremony held on Saturday, 20th May 2023 at the Ernest Ikoli NUJ Press Centre in Yenagoa while expressing hope that “the next 50 years will place the corps on the world map.”
Mrs. Okaplifo noted that NYSC has set the pace for other youth organizations in Africa while thanking the guests for gracing the occasion and emphasised that The Gambia and Sierra Leone have come to study the NYSC programme for implementation in their respective nations.
She, therefore, called for continued support, synergy, cooperation, and collaboration to enable the corps to deliver on its mandate.
However, the highlight of the event was the awards bestowed on the Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the NYSC State Governing Board, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on NYSC Matters, Hon. Wisdom Poyeri.
Other awards include Most Friendly Host Community (Lugbuon community in Southern Ijaw LGA); Most Friendly LGA (Brass LGA); and Most Friendly Corps Employer (The Principal, Community Secondary School, Okutukutu).
Mrs. Okpalifo Obiageli Charity, State Coordinator, NYSC Bayelsa State, Mr. Momodu Harrison, Mr. Ominigbo, Mr. West Sotonye, and Mrs. Dolly were also honoured with Long Service Awards.
Staff merit awards were also handed out to Mr. Ovie Dokari and Mrs. Nelly Kuru
