The Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the United Nations Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, has commended the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for its role in promoting youth development and community service in Nigeria.

He made the remarks during the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in Kabusa, Abuja, during an official engagement focused on strengthening youth partnerships, peacebuilding, and human rights.

Paullier noted that many Nigerians, both young and old, have expressed pride in their NYSC experience, describing the scheme as a significant platform for national unity and civic engagement.

The NYSC initiative, which provides free healthcare services in rural communities, was also praised for improving access to medical care and supporting global development goals.

According to the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers has reached over five million Nigerians since its launch in 2014.

He added that the programme is expected to serve about 45,000 people this year, supported by newly donated mobile clinics.

The UN official further stressed that such initiatives contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on good health and well-being, while reducing healthcare burdens in underserved communities.

Community leaders in Kabusa also praised the outreach, describing it as a landmark intervention that brought essential medical services directly to residents.