The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has reaffirmed the Scheme's dedication to ensuring that Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, have access to quality healthcare services.
Speaking at the first-quarter 2025 NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) programme, held in Imafon community, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nafiu emphasized the importance of the initiative.
He explained that the HIRD programme was introduced to mobilize volunteer corps medical personnel to provide much-needed medical attention to rural dwellers, who often struggle to access healthcare due to geographical and infrastructural challenges.
Brigadier General Nafiu reiterated his commitment to repositioning the NYSC Scheme, ensuring it plays a crucial role in addressing the health challenges faced by rural communities.
He encouraged residents to take advantage of the free healthcare services provided through the programme, noting that it would help reduce preventable deaths and improve overall well-being.
"I urge all community members to utilize this opportunity to enhance their health status. This initiative will go a long way in reducing cases of untimely deaths and improving healthcare for beneficiaries," he stated.
He further encouraged residents to openly discuss their health concerns with the corps medical personnel, assuring them that competent and experienced professionals had been deployed to cater to their needs.
Representing the NYSC Director General, the Ondo State Coordinator, Mrs. Kuburat Omowumi Bakare, expressed appreciation to stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
She acknowledged their continuous support in sustaining the initiative over the years.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Ondo State, represented by the Director of Youth Development in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Catherine Okukpe, highlighted the programme’s impact on grassroots healthcare.
She noted that corps medical personnel provide high-quality free medical services to residents, aligning with the government’s goal of ensuring accessible healthcare for all.
The Ondo State Government, under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, expressed gratitude for the initiative, recognizing it as a valuable extension of its healthcare policy.
The government representative acknowledged that financial constraints often limit the ability to implement all proposed healthcare programs at once, making interventions like the NYSC HIRD programme a welcome relief.
The NYSC Governing Board Chairman pledged continued collaboration with the Scheme to expand its reach and maximize its impact on Ondo residents.
Similarly, the Olumafon of Imafon Kingdom, His Royal Highness Oba Samuel Aliu Adegbehingbe, commended the NYSC for bringing healthcare services to his community.
He urged stakeholders to support the Scheme in extending its impact across the country.
The event featured health talks on critical issues such as hypertension, blood pressure, diabetes, and environmental hygiene. Participants were screened for various health conditions, attended to by medical personnel, and provided with free medications.
