The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has reinforced his commitment to youth development and national service by donating a cow, two bags of rice and a cash gift of ₦500,000 to members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Ife East Local Government Area of Osun State.
The donation, presented to the corps members through the Local Government Inspector, Mrs Abimbola Owolawi, was warmly received by beneficiaries, who described the gesture as a source of encouragement as they continue their one-year national service.
The intervention forms part of the monarch’s continued support for programmes aimed at empowering young Nigerians and promoting community development through the NYSC scheme.
Speaking on the development, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mr Ekeng Ita Kubiangha, commended the Ooni for his generosity and sustained commitment to the welfare of corps members serving within his domain.
He described the royal father’s donation as a strong demonstration of support for youth empowerment, national unity and community service, noting that such interventions contribute significantly to improving the welfare and motivation of corps members.
According to Kubiangha, the encouragement provided by traditional institutions complements the objectives of the NYSC by creating an enabling environment for young graduates to contribute effectively to the development of their host communities.
He added that when corps members receive support from community leaders and institutions, they are better positioned to implement meaningful community development projects, educational outreach programmes and other initiatives that benefit local residents.
The State Coordinator urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the monarch’s goodwill by maintaining high standards of discipline, integrity and commitment throughout their service year.
He encouraged them to uphold the core values of the NYSC Scheme while using their knowledge and professional skills to address developmental needs within their host communities.
Education and youth development experts note that corps members play important roles in Nigeria’s education sector, particularly through their deployment to public and private schools where they help bridge teacher shortages, especially in rural communities.
Many corps members also organise free lessons, literacy campaigns, career guidance sessions and other educational interventions that support pupils and students beyond the regular classroom environment.
Analysts say support from traditional rulers, governments, private organisations and community leaders can improve the welfare of corps members, enhance their productivity and encourage greater participation in community development initiatives.
They further emphasise that strengthening partnerships between host communities and the NYSC will contribute to improved educational outcomes, youth engagement and grassroots development across the country.
The latest gesture by the Ooni of Ife highlights the growing role of traditional institutions in supporting education, youth empowerment and national development through initiatives that recognise and encourage the contributions of young graduates serving under the NYSC scheme.
