Ten Corps Members from Nigeria are set to travel to the Republic of India on Sunday, to participate in a Youth Exchange Programme organised by the Indian National Cadet Corps.
The programme is an annual event held in commemoration of the Independence Anniversary of the Republic of India, drawing participants from Europe, Asia, Africa and other continents.
During a pre-departure briefing exercise held at Indian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Director General, Brigadier General Yushau’ Ahmed expressed appreciation of the warm reception accorded him, and the invitation extended to the Scheme to participate in the programme.
He noted that the invitation, being the second one, was “another opportunity for the Scheme to showcase the potentials of the Nigerian youths while also giving participants the opportunity to understand the socio-economic similarities and differences between the two countries.”
Ahmed told his hosts that “Nigeria is a country with diverse cultures..So the NYSC was established to promote National Unity, cohesion and development.”
He stated that the Scheme was always open to collaborating with agencies both within and outside the country for the promotion of its noble objectives.
The Director General also said “the ideas the Nigerian delegation would gain at the programme especially from the Indian National Cadet Corps, would be applied to improve the NYSC programmes.”
Ahmed congratulated the Corps Members on their nomination for the event, and enjoined them to be of good conduct in line with the Core Values of the Scheme.
Earlier in his remarks, the Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria, Shri Balasubramanian, noted that Nigeria and India shared several things in common, especially their huge populations and multi-cultural settings.
He said; “the exchange programme would enable the delegation to showcase Nigeria’s culture at the event, which would be attended by youths from other countries.”
The Diplomat described the NYSC Scheme as a commendable initiative, which would not only give the participating youths a broader understanding of the country, but also prepare them for leadership responsibilities
He appreciated the contributions of the Scheme to the development of Nigeria, and revealed that its selection for participation at the Youth Exchange Programme along with other countries was informed by its uniqueness as well similarities with the National Cadet Corps of India.
The High Commissioner stressed that India would be willing to learn from the Scheme’s experiences.
He thanked the Director General for his support for the exchange programme and promised the Corps Members that the experiences they would garner during the programme would be memorable and impactful.
Balasubramanian said that “the Indian Government was pleased with the last set of the Corps members that attended the country’s 75th Independent Anniversary and called on the present set to emulate their predecessors, as all expenses for the trip would be catered for by the Indian Government.”
He admonished them to use the opportunity of the programme to make friends from across the globe and also explore the country’s rich cultural heritage, it’s historical sites, other issues of interest including Indian cuisines.
This was contained in a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations of the National Youths Service Corps, NYSC, Mr. Eddy Megwa.
