Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has extended a remarkable gesture of support to nine ex-corps members of Abia origin who recently received the prestigious National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Presidential Honour Awards in the states where they served. This initiative not only recognizes their outstanding performance during their service year but also underscores the governor’s commitment to encouraging youth excellence and dedication in the state.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a special event at the Government House, Umuahia, where Governor Otti welcomed the awardees. The ex-corps members were accompanied by the NYSC State Coordinator, Gladys Adama, emphasizing the collaboration between the state government and the NYSC in fostering youth empowerment and development.
Otti Lifts Employment Embargo
Governor Otti stated that the automatic employment offer was designed to reward the young achievers for their commitment and to serve as an inspiration for other youths across Abia State to pursue excellence in their various fields of service. He noted that while a token of appreciation was initially planned, the governor decided to go further by granting the awardees guaranteed state employment.
“On behalf of the state government, you are going to leave here with a token. But beyond the token, I hereby temporarily lift the embargo on employment to employ the nine of you, except if any of you is not interested,” Otti declared. He further instructed the State Head of Service to issue appointment letters to the awardees immediately, highlighting that their accomplishments had already demonstrated their capacity to serve Abia State with distinction.
The nine beneficiaries are Nwogu Chinonso, Anyanwu Promise, Ezieme Uba, Emmanuel Ezinne, Abia Grace, Nwafike Chiemela, Ugwa Mark, Eke Miracle, and James Chukwuebuka. Each of these young professionals has demonstrated exemplary service, discipline, and leadership during their NYSC postings, earning recognition at the highest level of the NYSC Presidential Honour Awards.
Recipients Express Gratitude
Representing the group, Mr. Nwogu Chinonso from Obingwa LGA, who served in Zamfara State, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Otti for the opportunity, emphasizing the significance of the gesture in motivating youth across the state. He described Otti as “a true leader and the Joshua of our time,” highlighting the governor’s dedication to empowering young professionals and creating pathways for their success.
The awardees pledged to serve Abia State diligently and to uphold the standards that earned them the Presidential Honour Awards, ensuring that their contributions would have lasting positive impacts on the community. Governor Otti also encouraged them to continue excelling in their chosen careers and reassured them that the state government would remain committed to supporting and rewarding hard work, talent, and dedication among youths in Abia State.
This initiative is seen as part of Governor Otti’s broader efforts to attract and retain talent within Abia State, demonstrating the administration’s dedication to youth empowerment, professional development, and recognition of excellence in public service.