PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI URGES CORPS MEMBERS TO ALWAYS EMPHASIZE ON PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE

President MUHAMMADU BUHARI has told the serving members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to always emphasize the common values of peaceful co-existence, kindness and hospitality that cut across all cultures and religion in Nigeria.

Receiving the youth corps members serving at his country home in Daura, Katsina State, President BUHARI said the primary focus of the NYSC is to expose graduates to the beauty and diversity of the country, and return to their states or any part of the country to share their experiences.

He said the entire nation depends on past and serving youth corps members to bridge the country, since they have the first-hand experience of living with different ethnic groups in various parts of the country, studying their cultures and traditions, and enjoying hospitality, which underpins every community in Nigeria.

The President noted that in every meeting with former Head of State, YAKUBU GOWON, who initiated the programme in 1973 to promote unity and understanding among Nigerians, he always remembers to appreciate the ingenuity of the programme and need for continuity.

In his remarks, the President of Guinea said the diversity of Nigeria remains its greatest strength, urging the youth corps members to always see themselves first as Nigerians, before identifying with their ethnic background.