The National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, on Thursday presented State Honours’ Award and cash prizes to 14 outstanding corps members in Lagos State.
Momammed Momoh, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, also announced the death of three members during the passing-out parade of the corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
Mr Momoh said that the awardees received cash prizes ranging from N150,000 to N200,000.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the awardees include 11 corps members of the 2016 Batch ‘A’ and ‘B ‘ and three corps members in the 2017 Batch ‘A’, Stream I.
“On a sad note, we lost three corps members of this batch to the cold hands of death. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their families the fortitude to bear the losses,’’ he said.
He said that 4,876 corps members successfully completed their service.
Mr Momoh said that six corps members received Chairman’s Commendation while 20 corps members got the state coordinator’s attestation.
The coordinator said that 23 corps members would repeat their service for absconding from duty.
He also said that 17 others would have their service extended for various periods as a punishment.
“Just as NYSC recognises and rewards excellence, the scheme also punishes corps members, who breach its rules and guidelines.
“I wish, therefore, to report that 23 corps members absconded from service and they are to repeat the service.
“Seventeen others are to serve various periods of extension of service.’’
Mr Momoh said that the successful corps members contributed their quotas to the overall development of Nigeria through their primary assignments and various community development services.
He said that the contributions were in the areas of education, healthcare and constructions.
Mr Momoh commended E-Insurance Solutions Centre Ltd., Ikoyi, for sending four corps members to Kenya for training and employing two of them after their service.
In his address, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State commended the corps members for their contributions to the development of the state.
Mr Ambode was represented by Oluseye Oladejo, Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.
He listed areas where the corps members made their marks to include education, health, sensitisation and awareness campaign against child abuse/domestic violence, drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.
“Nigeria is looking forward to you as future leaders that have been equipped with what it takes to achieve the vision of a stronger, more secure, stable and prosperous nation.
“As you prepare to commence another phase of livelihood, I urge you to keep in mind the lesson of this programme, which is the awareness and appreciation of the diversity of your nation,’’ Mr Ambode said.
NAN
