UN Youth Chief Praises NYSC Health Programme, Says Scheme Key to Youth and Rural Development in Nigeria

The United Nations has described Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a vital driver of youth development and community impact, highlighting its growing role in improving healthcare delivery in rural areas.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, made the remarks during the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in Kabusa community, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Paullier said his visit to Nigeria focused on engaging youth organisations and key stakeholders, with special attention on the NYSC’s contribution to development, peacebuilding, and human rights.

He noted that many Nigerians he had interacted with expressed pride in their experience with the NYSC, describing the scheme as a platform that continues to shape young lives and national identity.

Commending the health outreach programme, he said the NYSC’s free medical services in rural communities were helping to improve global health outcomes and strengthen access to care in underserved areas.

He added that such initiatives align with global development priorities that place young people at the centre of social progress and community transformation.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, said the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers has reached more than five million Nigerians since its launch in 2014.

He revealed that the scheme plans to reach about 45,000 people this year across rural communities nationwide, supported by two newly donated mobile clinics from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Nafiu praised the First Lady’s contribution, describing it as a major boost to expanding the reach of the programme and improving healthcare delivery in remote communities.

He also disclosed that the initiative will begin carrying out minor surgical procedures in rural areas as part of its expanded medical services.

According to him, the programme supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being, and SDG 1 on poverty reduction by easing financial pressure on vulnerable households.

The NYSC Director-General commended partners, donors, and medical personnel involved in the outreach, describing their contributions as selfless and impactful in strengthening national development.

He also expressed appreciation to the traditional leadership of Kabusa community for hosting the programme and supporting its outreach efforts.

The Dakachi of Kabusa, Chief Samuel A. Kpowu, thanked the NYSC for bringing free medical services directly to the community, describing it as a first-of-its-kind intervention for residents.

Acting Director of Community Development Service and Special Projects, Mrs Funmilayo Ajayi, said the two-day outreach included medical consultations, health education, diagnostics, laboratory tests, eye care services, and referrals where necessary.

A key highlight of the event was the inspection and commissioning of two mobile clinics by the UN Assistant Secretary-General alongside the NYSC leadership.

Health talks delivered by Corps Medical Doctor Else Ibrahim were also translated into Gbagyi to ensure effective communication with residents.

The outreach was supported by partner organisations including Genlab/Doc.roa, led by Chief Executive Officer Ebozoje Deogratias Segun, and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation, represented by Dr Ayomide Adebayo.