The Executive Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has applauded the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme for the progress made so far. He commended the Scheme for living up to the ideals for its creation.

Oyetola commended the State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Abdulwahab and her team for putting together the programme and bringing together friends and stakeholders of the Scheme in the State and also for x-raying the programmes, achievements and challenges of the Scheme in such a unique way.

Governor Oyetola, who was represented by the Hon. Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Lawal Azeez Olayemi, disclosed this while delivering his speech at the programme held at the Atlantis Civic Centre, Osogbo on Wednesday. He urged participants to continue working unanimously in other to achieve greater success and progress for the Scheme.

"I call on Parents and Friends of NYSC, Corps Employers and other NYSC Collaborators to help make themselves available for the Scheme" he stated.

Oyetola also expressed his joy to see a government parastatal put together such a wonderful and historic programme for youth growth and development.

According to him "Osun state has trained and produced great men and women through the NYSC Scheme both in the past and presently".

Oyetola also applauded the Cultural Troupe of the Scheme for making the State proud in winning the Dance Category at the just concluded NYSC Annual Sports and Cultural Festival in Abuja. While appreciating the Troupe with a token, he assured the Scheme of his administration's readiness to continue to support and protect the Scheme by providing the needed support for Members of the Scheme within the ambit of the State's available resources.

He further called on more collaborative agencies to join efforts with the Government to see to the success of the Scheme in the State.

Also, the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig. Gen MK Fadah, has appealed to stakeholders to support Corps Members deployed to the State to make their work and stay comfortable.

The DG, who was represented by the Deputy Director NYSC South West Area Office, Mrs Obiageli Okpalifo, stated that the essence of the programme was to showcase the impact of Corps Members and the Scheme in the State.

He added that Corps Members' impact are felt across the sectors of the society. According to him, their impact in the health, education, infrastructural, agricultural and socio-economic areas cannot be overemphasised.

"The task of training our graduate youths is not exclusive to NYSC alone, it is a collective effort. Therefore, I urge you all to support the Scheme where needed. You can help with infrastructural development both in the Camp and outside, it could also be in the area of finances, ideas and any other means you can assist to support these youths and make their service year a memorable one".

The DG commended the State Coordinator for thinking outside the box and coming up with such a laudable event. He called on other States to emulate what Osun has done and try showcasing the Scheme's giant strides in their State's through means other than the stereotypes.

Earlier, the State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Abdulwahab, in her welcome address, appreciated participants for honouring the Scheme's invitation to the Hall of Fame programme. She stated that Guests where invited from within and outside the State and could not hide her elation seeing the creme de la creme of the State in attendance.

Speaking on the essence of the Programme, Abdulwahab stated that it was needful for the Scheme which has been in existence for the past 31years to take a look back and see how far it has come. She said the programme was put together to celebrate the achievements and impact of the Scheme in the State and to also celebrate stakeholders and collaborators who made it all possible.

While x-raying the Scheme's progress, Abdulwahab highlighted through slides the historical background of the Scheme, the cardinal programmes and their importance to the Corps Members and the society, the various activities of Corps Members on Camp, at their Places of Primary Assignments and also during their CDS.

Olayinka also showcased projects of Corps Members over the years and their feats through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme. She thereafter, highlighted and enlightened the participants on the challenges of the Scheme and called for more collaborations and support.

The programme also featured special presentations from the Band, Cultural Troupe, Pupils of the NYSC Foundation School and Awards given to some individuals and agencies who went extra miles to support the Scheme and its programmes in the State and also those committed to creating a very conducive atmosphere for Members to work in. Also SAED products were were exhibited.

The awardees are His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola; the DG of NYSC, Brig. Gen. MK Fadah; the Commander ECC Nigeria Army Ede, Brig. Gen. KF Suleman; the CP of Osun State, AIG Olawale Taofeek Olokode; the Director DSS, Mr Folorunsho Bankole Alade; the Sector Commander FRSC Corps Commander Paul Okpe; Senator Surajudeen Basiru; Hon. Abimbola Taofeek Ajilesoro; Chief Jide Bewaji; Pastor Segun Oduyebo; Segilola Resources Operating Ltd; Eyiowuawi Pharmaceutical Company Ede; Osogbo Central Hospital; Spring Hope Specialist Hospital Osogbo; Alafia Oluwa Hospital Ede; Akol Pharmaceutical Company Osogbo; Adeleke University Ede; Federal Government College, Ikirun; Misty-Gee Model College Ilé Ife; and Makaiza Farms Oriade,

The event had in attendance Royal Father's, Hon. Members of the National Assembly, Corps Employers, Heads of media outfits, among others.