Fides Media Living the Faith
By Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Marcellinus Uzuanwu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Anambra State Chapter, on Friday, May 19, marked its 50th Anniversary of its existence with fanfare.
The celebration which took place at Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, pastoral and Conference Centre, Awka, was followed by the symbolic cutting of the NYSC cake by some serving corps members, officials and dignitaries who graced the occasion.
The state coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Blessing Iruma, expressed delight at what she described as the Federal Government’s keen interest in ensuring the continuity of the programme despite challenges. She advised corps members to exercise patience, discipline and integrity in their Place of Primary Assignment (PPAs).
In his remarks, the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Chukwu Ajah, stressed the need for corps members to be security conscious and cautious of their relationships.
He applauded the relationship between the corps members and the police and advised for quick assistance during emergencies.
Corroborating him, the Deputy Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) C.C. Obasi, shared her NYSC experience and encouraged the corps members to exercise decorum and discipline in their different PPAs.
In a separate interaction with the press, PG, Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, Ken Okoli, urged all ex-corps members to actively participate in nation building.
His words, ‘NYSC scheme has promoted development in rural areas and ensures maximum impact in local communities.’
Psychology Therapist, Dr Casmir, who spoke on “Legacy and Importance of Mental Health”, lamented the ills of wrong parenting affecting nationhood.
‘Families fail because there are no marriages; marriages fail because there are no relationships; relationships fail because they are built on lies,’ he stated.
He extolled the qualities of patience, understanding and mental stability for every corps member as preamble for a stable life.
Also speaking on the occasion, the Director, Fides Media, Rev. Fr. Robert Anagboso, stressed the need for joint partnership between government and private agencies to ensure better welfare packages for serving corps members.
Other highlights of the occasion were drama presentation by the NYSC Cultural Troupe and Musicals.
Some activities to mark the celebration included, a courtesy visit to the Jumat Mosque in honour of Muslim corps members; novelty match between NYSC officials and the female team and a thanksgiving service which held on Sunday at Archbishop A.K. Obiefuna Retreat, Pastoral and Conference Centre Awka.