By Harriet Tornguvan
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 driver of youth development in Nigeria.
Paullier made the commendation during the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) held in Kabusa community, Abuja, where he underscored the Scheme’s contributions to national development and youth empowerment.
The UN official, who is on an official visit to Nigeria, explained that his trip is focused on engaging with youth organisations, including NYSC, as well as key stakeholders, to advance the youth development agenda and strengthen the role of young people in promoting development, peace, and human rights.
“I have interacted with many young and old Nigerians who are proud of their NYSC experiences,” he said, while commending the Scheme’s sustained provision of free medical services to rural communities, noting that such interventions are helping to build a healthier and more inclusive society.
Earlier, the Director-General of NYSC, Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that since the inception of the HIRD programme in 2014, over five million Nigerians have benefited from its free healthcare services. He added that the Scheme is targeting about 45,000 additional beneficiaries across rural communities nationwide this year.
Nafiu attributed the programme’s expanding reach to the donation of two new mobile clinics by Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, describing the gesture as visionary and instrumental to improving healthcare access in underserved areas.
He further revealed plans by the Scheme to introduce free minor surgical procedures for rural dwellers under the HIRD initiative, noting that the programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being and Goal 1 on poverty eradication.
“The free healthcare services reduce the financial burden on vulnerable households and promote healthier lifestyles, thereby strengthening overall community well-being,” the NYSC boss said.
He also expressed appreciation to the Scheme’s partners and donors for sustaining the initiative over the years, while commending corps medical personnel for their dedication and selfless service.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler and Dakachi of Kabusa village, Samuel A. Kpowu, lauded the NYSC for bringing free medical services to the community, describing it as unprecedented.
Also speaking, the Acting Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, highlighted that the outreach featured a wide range of services, including health education, medical consultations, laboratory tests, eye care, and referrals for further treatment.
A major highlight of the event was the launch and inspection of the newly acquired mobile clinics by the UN official alongside the NYSC Director-General. The programme also featured a health talk delivered by a corps medical doctor, Else Ibrahim, who translated key messages into the local Gbagyi language to ensure inclusivity.
The outreach was supported by partner organisations, including Genlab/Doc.roa and Rabiu Olowo Foundation, further demonstrating the collaborative effort aimed at improving healthcare delivery in rural Nigeria.
