Boma Achenimie 
Former military head of state and founder of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd), has expressed pride in the success of the NYSC, noting that despite initial resistance, the scheme has thrived and is now over 50 years old.
Gowon made this remark during a courtesy visit of the management of the Service, led by its Director General, YD Ahmed in celebration of his 90th birthday on Friday.
Reflecting on his journey, Gowon expressed gratitude to God for his long life and thanked Nigerians for their continued goodwill towards him.
He also extended his appreciation to the NYSC Director General and the entire NYSC family for the birthday visit, acknowledging their contributions to the scheme’s success.
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Gowon praised the unwavering commitment of successive batches of Nigerian graduates, noting that they have upheld the NYSC’s ideals of nation-building, unity, and integration.
He recalled the initial skepticism from the youth when the NYSC was first established but celebrated its growth into a key driver of national development.
In a gesture of celebration, the NYSC team sang a spontaneous rendition of the happy birthday song for the nonagenarian.
Director General Ahmed, speaking on behalf of the delegation, expressed his admiration for General Gowon and presented him with a life-size birthday card, symbolizing the collective appreciation of the NYSC staff and corps members nationwide.
