THE federal government has rewarded 168 outstanding former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with automatic employments into the federal civil service and scholarships to Doctorate Degree level in any Nigerian University of their choice.
The ex-corps members, belonging to the 2015, 2016, 2017 set, were honoured at an event that held at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa on Friday,
Fifteen other former corps members who had suffered disability during their service year were also recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.
Speaking at the event, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo reminded the honorees that they were not just the future of Nigeria, but also its present.
“You must all see yourselves as the leaders that you are. But leadership comes with responsibilities and continuous sacrifice,” Osinbajo said.
“The successes you have achieved and are being rewarded for today should inspire you to even greater feats, in your various spheres of influence. I, therefore, charge you all to continue to be the light for others to follow, whilst also seeing yourselves as lifelong ambassadors of the NYSC.
“In line with our policy of encouraging and rewarding excellence among our youth, I hereby announce the immediate employment into the Federal Civil Service of all the award winners and beneficiaries of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.
“In addition, the federal government hereby offers each of you automatic scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian university of your choice.”
Also speaking at the event, the outgoing Director-General of NYSC Suleman Kazaure, said the award ceremony was aimed at encouraging young Nigerians on the need to be selfless and patriotic at all times.
He described the award as a recognition for teamwork, honesty, loyalty, devotion to duty and creativity.
“Though the young men and women being honoured today were the most outstanding in performance, I am proud to report those corps members deployed in 2015, 2016 and 2017 service years generally contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of our dear country,” Kazaure said.
“Their performances in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and infrastructure were applauded by all Nigerians.”
One of the honorees, Nelson Nnamdi, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria, advised prospective and serving corps members to “identify a special need in the place you are serving, and try to make an impact and leave the rest to God. In the right time, God will reward you as he has rewarded me today”.
The President’s NYSC Honours Award is aimed at encouraging corps members to contribute to the overall national development by embarking on community development projects in the areas they were sent to serve.