Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on Thursday rewarded seven members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who served in the state for distinguishing themselves during their service year.
The governor gave the awardees, members of the 2017 Batch A service year, a total of N850, 000 cash and three large screen HP laptops.
Obiano, represented by Mr Bonaventure Enemali, Commissioner for Youth Empowerment and Creative Economy, said during the brief ceremony held in Awka that the award was a demonstration of high premium the government placed on hard work.
He urged them to uphold the exemplary discipline and hard work they exhibited during their service year, noting that the sky is their limit.
“What we are here to celebrate is very significant and symbolic in the lives of all who believe in hard work, because Anambra rewards hard work and excellence.
” You have shown that you are willing to serve in any capacity, anywhere you find yourselves, and I urge you not to let yourself or people who believe in you down.
” Again, I challenge you to bring out your best always as you have done in Anambra, so that you can continue to excel in all your endeavours,” the governor said.
Presenting the awardees, Mr Kehinde Aremu, Coordinator of NYSC in Anambra, said they not only adhered to the ethics of the scheme, but made remarkable impact in the communities where they served.
Aremu commended Anambra government for its positive disposition to the scheme in the state and also the importance it attached to corps members’ welfare.
He said apart from being one of the states that paid the highest allowance to corps members in Nigeria, the Obiano administration had provided a conducive administrative office for the scheme.
“Anambra is the most corps members-friendly state in Nigeria; the DG of NYSC will soon be in Anambra to thank his Excellency and his cabinet for his exceptional disposition toward the scheme.
“To the corps members, I must congratulate and thank them for allowing themselves to be taught and used to impart value to Anambra.
“The NYSC spots leaders and helps them build and develop their leadership qualities; example of such people are our governor and the commissioner here.
“It is my prayer that these award winners will continually set themselves aside in the nearest future, that they will become investments that Anambra will reap from in future,” he said.
Among the awardees, Mr Henry Eze emerged overall best with N200, 000 prize money and a laptop, while Mr Israel Yusuf was second with N150, 000 cash and a laptop.
The third was Mr Godswill Sambo, who got a sum of N100, 000 and a laptop.
Four 0thers — Mr Okechukwu Egbe, Ms Esther Agbioghale, Ms. Kelechi Obodo and Ms. Chikodi Ejiogu — received N100, 000 each for their efforts.
Responding on behalf of others, Eze appreciated the NYSC for giving them the opportunity to serve and Anambra government for recognising their modest contributions.
He promised that they would endeavour to sustain the lessons of the service year and give their best to Nigeria as they were moving into the larger society.(NAN)