The News Agency of Nigeria has expressed strong support for the National Youth Service Corps as the scheme marks its 53rd anniversary, with the agency's Director General, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, extolling the corps' contributions to youth development and national progress.

Malam Ali made the remarks when he received the NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, at the NAN headquarters in Abuja, using the occasion to highlight the scheme's impact across several sectors of Nigerian life.

The NAN chief praised the corps' record of achievement in areas including youth mentorship and empowerment, rural development, free healthcare services, educational development and job creation, describing the contributions of corps members, both past and serving, at the agency as invaluable.

"Their commitment to duty would never be forgotten," he noted, commending members for the impact they had made during their service period.

Malam Ali also expressed admiration for the leadership approach of Brigadier General Nafiu since the latter assumed duty as Chief Executive Officer of the scheme, describing his stewardship in positive terms.

The NAN Director General further used the occasion to advocate for developmental journalism as a tool for national progress, disclosing that the agency remained committed to amplifying African stories, particularly those reflecting Nigeria's realities, on the global stage.

Responding, General Nafiu expressed appreciation to NAN for its objective reportage of NYSC activities over the years, acknowledging the agency's role in projecting the scheme's programmes and achievements to the public.

He gave assurances that the partnership between both agencies would continue to deepen, promising that the collaboration would grow from strength to strength.

The NYSC Director General also affirmed the scheme's commitment to building on its existing achievements, stating that NYSC would continue to consolidate on its achievements with innovations that bring more contributions to national development.

The visit underscored the growing institutional relationship between NAN and NYSC, with both agencies signalling readiness to strengthen their cooperation in the interest of national development.