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, according to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, NYSC, Caroline Embu, on Friday.

Dr Paullier, who was on an official visit to the country, said his trip to Nigeria centred 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.

Commending the scheme’s consistent free medical interventions for rural dwellers, Dr Paullier said the initiative was contributing to building a better world.

Earlier in his address, the Director-General of 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 added that this year, the scheme projects to reach about 45,000 people across rural communities, leveraging two brand new mobile clinics donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to extend its reach and expand the scope of operations.

The DG thanked the First Lady for her visionary and generous donation to the NYSC.

General Nafiu also disclosed that, through the HIRD platform, the scheme plans to begin carrying out free minor surgeries for rural dwellers.

“The NYSC’s free healthcare initiative contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being by improving access to healthcare and promoting healthier lifestyles.

“The HIRD programme also supports SDG Goal 1, which aims to end poverty, as the free medical services reduce the financial burden on vulnerable households and encourage informed health decisions, thereby strengthening overall community well-being,” the DG said.

While thanking the scheme’s 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 A. Kpowu, expressed gratitude to the NYSC for bringing free medical services to his people, describing it as the first of its kind.

In her remarks, the Acting Director, Community Development Service and Special Projects (CDS & SP), Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, said the two-day outreach included health sensitisation and education on well-being and disease prevention, medical consultations, diagnosis, treatment, laboratory tests, scanning, eye care services, free medication, 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 outreach was supported by two partner organisations, Genlab/Doc.roa, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Mr Ebozoje Deogratias Segun, and Rabiu Olowo Foundation, led by its General Manager, Dr Ayomide Adebayo. (Nigerian Tribune)

•Head of UN Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier alongside the NYSC DG, NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu