Eid-el-Kabir: Buhari ‘Donates Half a Million’ to Corp Members

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday (today) donated the sum of N500,000 to serving Corp members in his hometown, Daura after observing the Eid prayers at Kofar Arewa Eid ground, Daura, Katsina state. 

He also donated a bull and 10 bags of rice to the corp members to mark this year's Sallah celebration.

Reaffirming his support to the scheme established in 1973, the President told the corps members: ‘‘It is better to know all the country than for people to be state-inclined.

‘‘I always look forward to meeting the NYSC team because since I served mostly in the south when I was in the military, some people in Lagos the only thing they know is the sea.

‘‘For them (NYSC members) to be brought to the desert or near the Sahel region is a very difficult thing but it will make an impact on Nigeria.

‘‘I have personally spoken to Gen. Gowon to thank him for having the initiative to start the NYSC programme. It is very good for Nigeria,’’ he said.

The President formally welcomed the Corps members to the ancient town of Daura and asked them to enjoy their national service year.

Voice Air Media reporter earlier reported that the president, after the Eid prayers, shunned protocol and opted to trek some 800 metres, acknowledging cheers from Nigerians who had trooped out en masse to attend the Eid prayers and also catch a glimpse of Mr President in his hometown.

Speaking to reporters at his residence after the walk, the President said he didn’t expect anything less from his ‘immediate constituency’ even as he thanked the almighty God for a bumper harvest and Nigeria’s steady progress towards food sufficiency.

‘‘I am very happy about it (the warm reception) and I do not expect anything less from my immediate base.’’

The President who wished all Nigerians a happy and successful Sallah celebrations, expressed delight that the country was spending less on food imports, noting that it was a major boost to the agricultural policies of his administration.