President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday ordered the immediate employment of 200 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) honorees into the federal civil service.
Tinubu also announced ₦250, 000 cash award for the 200 honorees in recognition of their outstanding service during the 2020–2023 service years.
This came as Tinubu expressed empathy for ten physically challenged former corps members who suffered varied degrees of infirmity while serving, directing that they be granted federal employment and assured them that the government would never forget their sacrifice.
At the combined President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020-2023) in Abuja, Tinubu was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who praised the recipients for their “discipline, commitment, selflessness, teamwork, patriotism, and integrity.”
He assured the honorees that the “Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will immediately begin their employment process.”
In addition to immediate employment and cash prizes, each honouree, including those with disabilities, will receive a scholarship to pursue a postgraduate degree at any Nigerian university.
According to him, “In appreciation of their service to the nation, all the awardees will receive N250,000. Finally, each award recipient will be granted a scholarship to pursue postgraduate programs up to a degree in any university in the country,” he declared.
Tinubu reinforced the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment, saying, “In appreciation of these critical roles played by youth in national development, and to put them in the foreground of our economy, the government developed several youth-related programs, covering education, skills development, technology, and information sustainability.”
He urged the honourees and Nigerian youngsters alike “to continue to have faith in Nigeria,” asking them not to succumb to those “seeking to destabilise the nation.”
The celebration honoured the top overall performers among both male and female awardees.
The top four male awardees were Nunaya Polycarp Nunaya (20B – KW/20B/0001) from Adamawa State, who served in Kwara State; Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (21A) from Imo State, who served in Cross River State; Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (23B) from Abia State, who served in Cross River State; and Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (23C) from Osun State, who served in Rivers State.
In the female category, the best overall awardees were Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (21A) from Benue State, who served in Gombe State, and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C) from Enugu State, who served in Sokoto State.
Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande applauded Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the future of Nigerian youth.
The minister said, “Your presence here is a testament to the deep-rooted love you have for our nation’s young people,” highlighting the president’s record of supporting youth development initiatives.
He elucidated that the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise hard work, creativity, and integrity demonstrated by ex-Corps members from across Nigeria.
Olawande said, “Each outstanding honouree here today exemplifies the very best of what our youth can achieve. Their positive character and commitment have made them true role models, inspiring others nationwide,” he stated.
He emphasised Tinubu’s commitment to empowering youth through initiatives that promote startup support, employment development (particularly in technology and renewable energy), and expanded leadership opportunities.
He said, “Many young people have been appointed as ministers and heads of agencies, ensuring youth voices are heard and respected at the highest levels.”
He further applauded the recent increase in NYSC members’ allowance from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000, underscoring that this adjustment was a response to current economic demands and not a political gesture. “This decision reflects our recognition of the vital role youth play in nation-building,” Olawande said.
The Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in his remarks, lauded the contributions of Nigerian youth to the nation’s progress, declaring them “the future of our great nation and a vital force for our collective progress and preservation of our social, cultural, and national heritage.”
Nafiu lauded recent government initiatives, expressing gratitude for President Tinubu’s approval of an ₦77,000 allowance for corps members. “This has gone a long way in boosting the morale and strength of corps members’ commitment,” he said.
The DG stated that, in addition to increased remuneration, the administration’s larger youth-focused strategy, including the revitalised Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme, had “given corps members greater access to post-service funding and global tech opportunities.”
