President Muhammadu Buhari has rewarded 110 ex-corps members with automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service.

He also announced cash rewards for the ex-corps members in addition to scholarships for them to pursue their post-graduate studies up to the doctoral level in any University in Nigeria.

He disclosed this at the virtual 2018/2019 President’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), honours award Ceremony held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja on Thursday.

He directed the relevant government agencies to ensure timely implementation of all the incentives for the award recipients.

According to Nigeria leader, the young men and women were honoured for excelling in the four cardinal programmes of the Scheme, namely: Orientation Course, Primary Assignment, Community Development Service and Winding-up/Passing-out, which formed the basis of assessment for the Honours Award.

‘‘On behalf of the Government and the good people of Nigeria, I heartily congratulate those honoured on standing out from their peers in order to merit the honour being bestowed upon them.

‘‘You have proved yourselves worthy ambassadors of your respective families and the National Youth Service Corps. I am very proud of you and confident that the Award shall spur you to greater service to the Nation and humanity,’’ he said.

The President in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity Femi Adesina, also used commended the founding fathers of the 48-year-old scheme, notably General Yakubu Gowon, who joined the occasion virtually.

President Buhari stressed that NYSC has remained a bastion of national unity and integration by exposing our youth to diverse cultures and traditions, thereby making them appreciate our similarities and diversities.

The President directed NYSC management to sanitise the mobilization process by ensuring that only those who meet the required criteria participate in the one-year national service.

Declaring that his administration has an abiding faith in the Nigerian youth, the finest part of which Corps members belong, the President said he had demonstrated this belief by signing the “Not too Young to Run” bill into law, so as to accommodate youth in the political landscape.

President Buhari who urged Nigerian youth to avoid all economic and social vices that are contrary to the wellbeing and progress of the Country, admonished them to adopt a collective approach, premised on sound values to build a great nation.

The statement said, highpoint at the combined Presidential Honours Award was the reading of citations of the best awardees for each service year.

For the 2018 set, Anyaogu Onyeyirichi Rejoice, who emerged first, served in Taraba State.

Anyaogu won the National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Award for the Best Female Corps Member in Community Development.

Dr. Eze Sunday Victor, who served in Jigawa State, came first in the 2019 set while Odion Jessica Eseohen came 2nd in NCWS Award for Best Female Corps Member in Community Development.

 36 total views