Health
NYSC Boosts Rural Healthcare Outreach In Edo
By Usman Aliyu
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it is strengthening its free medical outreach to underserved rural communities in Edo as part of efforts to deepen its contribution to the state’s socio-economic development.
Mr Julius Fasina, Coordinator of NYSC in the state disclosed this on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the Permanent Orientation Camp in Okada.
Fasina said the scheme’s Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD), which deployed corps medical personnel such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists and laboratory scientists to remote villages, had continued to bridge healthcare gaps in communities lacking basic medical facilities.
“Over the years, the scheme has consistently provided key manpower for critical sectors of the state economy.
“Our Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers programme has continued to move medical personnel to remote villages for free medical outreach,” he said.
He emphasised that the programme had brought healthcare services to many rural areas where such amenities were either unavailable or inaccessible.
The NYSC boss added that the Community Development Service and Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programmes were also empowering youths and women across the state.
According to him, the SAED programme has expanded from 32 to about 38 skill areas across the 18 local government areas of the state, helping to equip young people with practical skills for self-reliance.
Fasina also announced that a total of 1,853 prospective corps members had been successfully registered for the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course in Edo as of midnight on April 24.
He said the figure comprised 895 males and 958 females, adding that all the corps members had been fully accommodated and briefed on the rules and objectives of the orientation course.
“Permit me to congratulate our dear corps members. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives, one that will contribute to your growth as individuals and as patriots.
“I urge you all to embrace unity, display willingness to learn, and make the most of the opportunities available during your service year,” he said.
Fasina commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for his support for the scheme, particularly the prompt intervention in fixing the camp auditorium roof and addressing water treatment challenges at the orientation camp.
He said the governor had demonstrated commitment to youth development and corps members’ welfare since his assumption of office.
Declaring the orientation course open, Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Charity Amayaenvbo, urged the corps members to serve with patriotism, discipline and a sense of national unity.
“You have answered the noble call to serve your fatherland, and in doing so, you are choosing the path of patriotism, sacrifice, discipline and national unity,” he said.
The governor described Edo as a land of culture, enterprise and innovation, assuring the corps members that the state government remained committed to creating opportunities for young people.
This, he said would be done through strategic investments in skills development, entrepreneurship, education, security and job creation.
“Use this opportunity to build friendships across ethnic and religious lines, learn new skills, contribute meaningfully to your host communities, and be worthy ambassadors of your families and institutions,” he said.
He also assured the management of NYSC of the state government’s continued support in providing an enabling environment for corps members serving in Edo.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AUO/AMM
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru
