NYSC hails anthem composer Adetiran National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Director-General
Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu has visited Rev. Oluwole Adetiran, who composed the scheme’s evergreen anthem. The DG met 74-year-old Adetiran at his residence in Mowe-Ibafo residence, Ogun State in the company of other top officials of the scheme.
Adetiran, a corps member in 1984, composed the popular NYSC anthem while serving at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The NYSC boss, who appreciated the indelible contribution of the septuagenarian to the scheme, assured him of the scheme’s support. Describing the septuagenarian as a patriotic Nigerian, Shuaibu said he decided to identify with Adetiran following reports in some quarters that he was seriously ill.
“I decided to follow up on the phone number that was dropped on the social media, made my investigations, and decided to come here from Abuja to visit Adetiran. This visit is partly to encourage our corps members and our youths that when you serve and honour your country, then your country will not forget you.”
Rev Adetiran, who was surrounded by family members during the visit, thanked the DG and his team from Lagos and Ogun states, expressed surprise and joy at being remembered in his lifetime – 37 years after composing the NYSC anthem. He urged the youth to be selfless and dedicated to national development.
READ ALSO: NYSC: President Muhammadu Buhari Hails General Gowon’s Initiative
“I thank God for opening a book of remembrance concerning me for my labour of love. I was the leader of an NYSC group called ‘the anthem group’ and the then chief inspector saddled us with the responsibility of composing an anthem for the NYSC. I went home and spent quality time to compose the anthem to the admiration of all and I still have the manuscripts till today,” Adetiran said.
The NYSC boss called on corps members across the country to be patriotic in service so that like adetiran they too can be celebrated in the future. He noted that in its 48-year history, more than five million Nigerians had successfully gone through the service, stating that the scheme remains a veritable tool for national development, with corps members strongly represented in every major stratum of the economy.
According to a report,, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Shuaibu Ibrahim on Thursday visited the writer and composer of the NYSC Anthem, Dr. Oluwole Adetiran, at his Ibafo residence in Ogun State. This was after receiving the news of the ill-health of Dr. Adetiran, a statement by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, said. A colourful reception for the DG was greeted by a majestic rendition of the 3-stanza NYSC Anthem, which Adetiran, himself, led in an orchestral manner. Gen. Ibrahim, according to Mrs. Adeyemi, was full of praise for the man who single-handedly composed what has now become a very famous anthem of Nigerian youths in the NYSC Scheme.
“Overwhelmed by the emotions of being recognised by the Chief Executive of NYSC and the kind emotional words of the Director-General to him, Dr. Adetiran then burst into tears of joy in appreciation of the visit. “The Director-General assured him that the NYSC Scheme will continue to stand by him and members of his family at all times. The NYSC Boss prayed to God Almighty to grant him speedy recovery and good health.
){kind=link}