The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment towards actively participating in the initiatives that, would promote peace, development and mutual respect within local communities, to honour the vision of the founding fathers of the National Youth Service Corps and the National Sports Festival.
Governor, Dapo Abiodun, disclosed this at A Day workshop organised by the NYSC South West Area II, with the theme, “Five Decades of Community Development Service: Building Partnerships for Effective Youth Participation”, at the June 12 Cultural Center, Kuto Abeokuta, saying it was essential to recognise that youth participation was cornerstone of a sustainable community development.
Represented by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, Gov. Abiodun submitted that the 2024 National Sports Festival underscores the State Government’s commitment to youth engagement and reinforces the role of sports in fostering unity and peace in the country.
The State helmsman revealed that his administration had implemented various empowerment initiatives and programmes aimed at equipping the youth with the necessary skills and opportunities to thrive, saying such programmes that focused on vocational training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship have been instrumental in preparing young people to meet the challenges of the future with confidence and capability.
He stated that collaboration between relevant stakeholders must remain a priority, pointing out that, strengthening partnerships between the Ogun State Government, the NYSC, and other key stakeholders were crucial to enhancing the impact of local community development projects.
“I advocate for increased engagement with the private sector, as these partnerships can expand the scope of youth empowerment initiatives and create new opportunities for Corps members, to the organisers of the NYSC, I appreciate their unwavering commitment to fostering community development. Your efforts in engaging our youth are instrumental in shaping a progressive society,” he said.
Speaking, the Director, NYSC South West Area Office II, Mrs. Olaleye Francisca revealed that, the Community Development service was one of the four cardinal programmes of the NYSC, where Corps members, through their ingenuity and resourcefulness contribute positively to the development of their host communities.
While tasking zonal and Local Government inspectors to call back the past glorious days of the CDS programmes, which had recorded many success, she added that, CDS could only be delivered efficiently and effectively on its core mandate and within the matrix of its expanding collaborative responsibilities, with the active support and involvement of all stakeholders.
