The Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical agent of Nigeria’s youth development.
The Head of UN Youth Affairs stated this at the flag-off of the NYSC’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), held in Kabusa community of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Dr Paullier, who is on an official visit to the country, said his visit centres on meaningful discussions with key youth organisations and youth representatives, particularly the NYSC, as well as other stakeholders, to advance the youth agenda by strengthening the role of young people as partners in development, peace and human rights.
“I have interacted with many young and old Nigerians who are proud of their NYSC experiences,” he said.
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Commending the scheme’s consistent free medical interventions for rural dwellers, Dr Paullier said the free medicare was contributing to building a better world.
Earlier in his address, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Olakunle Nafiu, told the UN Assistant Secretary-General that since the inception of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in 2014, more than five million Nigerians have benefited from the free medical outreach.
He noted that the scheme projects to reach about 45,000 people across rural communities nationwide this year, taking advantage of two brand-new mobile clinics donated by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to extend its reach and expand its operations.
The DG thanked the First Lady for her visionary and generous donation to the NYSC.
Brigadier-General Nafiu also told the UN senior official that through the HIRD window, the scheme plans to begin carrying out free minor surgeries for rural dwellers.
“The NYSC’s free healthcare initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 3 of the United Nations, which focuses on good health and well-being by improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles.
“The HIRD programme also supports Sustainable Development Goal 1, which aims to end poverty, as the free medical services reduce the financial burden on vulnerable households and further encourage informed health decisions, strengthening overall community wellbeing,” the DG emphasised.
While thanking partners and donors for sustaining the initiative over the past 12 years, the NYSC boss also appreciated corps medical personnel for their selfless service to rural communities.
“I am proud of you and your valuable contributions to our nation’s development. Your selfless service will always be remembered,” he said.
In his vote of thanks, the traditional leader and Dakachi of Kabusa village, Chief Samuel Kpowu, expressed gratitude to the NYSC for bringing free medicare to the doorstep of his people, describing it as the first of its kind.
In her remarks, the Acting Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects (CDS & SP), Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, stated that the range of services provided during the two-day medical outreach included health sensitisation and education on wellbeing and disease prevention, medical consultations, treatment, diagnosis, laboratory tests, scanning, eye care services, free medications, and referrals where necessary.
A key highlight of the programme was the launch and inspection of the two brand-new mobile clinics by the UN Assistant Secretary-General, led by the NYSC DG.
Other highlights included a health talk by a corps medical doctor, Else Ibrahim, who also interpreted key messages into Gbagyi, the local language of the community.
The medical outreach was supported by two partner organisations, Genlab/Doc.roa, led by Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Mr Ebozoje Deogratias Segun, and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation, led by its General Manager, Dr Ayomide Adebayo.
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