President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday gave the go-ahead for 200 National Youth Service Corps awardees to be immediately hired into the federal civil service.
He also presented each of the 200 recipients with N250,000 as a gesture of appreciation for their exceptional performance over the years 2020 to 2023.
Tinubu made this announcement during the President’s NYSC Honours Award Ceremony (2020-2023) held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.
The President, represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, commended the recipients for their "discipline, dedication, selflessness, collaboration, love for the country, and honesty."
He pledged to the awardees that the "Head of the Federal Civil Service and the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission will promptly start their hiring procedures."
Tinubu further stated that 10 former corps members with physical disabilities, who were injured to different extents during their service, will also be granted federal jobs.
He remarked, 'We will never forget their sacrifice.'
In addition to automatic employment and cash prizes, every recipient received a scholarship to study for a postgraduate degree at any Nigerian university.
In recognition of their contribution to the country, each recipient will be awarded N250,000.
"Ultimately, every award winner will receive a scholarship to continue their postgraduate studies at any university within the country," Tinubu stated.
The President further emphasized the administration's dedication to empowering young people, stating, "In recognition of the vital roles that youth play in national progress, and to position them at the center of our economy, the government has introduced various initiatives aimed at education, skill-building, technology, and information sustainability."
Tinubu urged the awardees and young people across Nigeria to "keep believing in Nigeria," reminding them not to give in to those "trying to shake the country's stability."
The event honored the top athletes in the male and female divisions.
The leading four male recipients are Polycarp Nunaya (20B – KW/20B/0001) from Adamawa State, who worked in Kwara State; Okpogbo Chinedu (21A) from Imo State, who was stationed in Cross River State; Dr. Ugwa Mark (23B) from Abia State, who served in Cross River State; and Rabiu Mayokun (23C) from Osun State, who was assigned to Rivers State.
In the women's category, the top recipients were Akase Nguwasen (21A) from Benue State, who worked in Gombe State, and Igwe Anne Chikaodi (23C) from Enugu State, who was stationed in Sokoto State.
The Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, expressed appreciation to the President for his consistent dedication to the prospects of young people in Nigeria.
"Your arrival here is evidence of the strong affection you hold for the country's youth," Olawande stated, emphasizing the President's backing of programs aimed at youth growth.
The official highlighted that the event served as a chance to honor the dedication, imagination, and honesty shown by former corps members throughout Nigeria.
"Every remarkable recipient here today represents the highest standards of what our young people are capable of achieving. Their admirable qualities and dedication have made them genuine examples to follow, motivating others across the country," he said.
Olawande emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to supporting young people via initiatives centered on fostering startups, generating employment, particularly in the fields of technology and sustainable energy, and increasing leadership prospects.
He mentioned, “A significant number of young individuals have been appointed as ministers and agency directors, making sure that the opinions and perspectives of youth are acknowledged and valued at the topmost levels.”
He also praised the recent rise in NYSC members' stipend, from N33,000 to N77,000, stating that this change reflects a reaction to present economic conditions and not a political move.
"This choice demonstrates our understanding of the crucial part young people have in building the nation," Olawande stated.
He also recognized the NYSC's original members and previous leaders. The minister acknowledged the ongoing commitment of various groups of corps members, especially in promoting national development within rural areas.
Olawande promised his ministry's continuous assistance to enhance the NYSC and guarantee its beneficial effects remain lasting.
He commended the partnership between the National Assembly and the Ministry of Youth Development, stating, “For forty years, our young people have felt separated from the government, but now, by revitalizing the youth, this administration is rekindling trust and involvement in national development. We appreciate your foresight and dedication, and we have confidence in your guidance.”
The official also thanked the personnel from the Ministry of Youth Development, the NYSC leadership, and collaborating organizations for their consistent assistance, reiterating the common goal of building a united, thriving country with young people at the core of progress and advancement.
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu, praised the role of Nigerian youth in advancing the country, stating they are "the future of our great nation and a key driver for our shared progress and protection of our social, cultural, and national heritage."
Nafiu commended the government's recent efforts, thanking President Tinubu for approving a N77,000 stipend for the corps members.
"This has significantly enhanced the morale and dedication of the corps members," he stated.
The DG mentioned that in addition to better pay, the administration's overall focus on youth, including the renewed Nigerian Youth Investment Fund and the National Talent Export Programme, has "provided corps members with better access to post-service financing and international tech opportunities."
As per Nafiu, these changes are not "simple policies but instruments of significant transformation that are certain to endure the passage of time."
He also showed hope regarding the upcoming signing of the NYSC Trust Fund Bill, referring to it as a "significant legislative act" set to create a long-term financial structure for the program.
Emphasizing the range of national service, Nafiu revealed the presentation of the President’s Honours Award to 200 ex-corporate members who worked between 2020 and 2023, chosen via "a thorough multi-tier evaluation process that examined their service history, community influence, public involvement, and principles."
The DG also recognized 10 participants of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme, former corps members who "suffered life-changing injuries while serving but continue to show unwavering commitment to the country. They are not merely honored individuals, but heroes of our Republic."
Nafiu guided the assembly in honoring four individuals who "gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country," acknowledging their dedication and bravery.
He emphasized the various roles that corps members have undertaken, including assisting with national elections, conducting voter education, fostering ICT awareness in rural schools, and enhancing healthcare in isolated regions.
In just 2025, we worked with 6,340 key medical staff, among them 2,319 physicians, to increase availability of free healthcare in isolated regions.
"Over 4 million Nigerians received free medical services, malaria testing, health education, and disease prevention programs through our Health Initiative for Rural Residents," Nafiu said.
He mentioned that the NYSC's skills development and business growth program has been revised to emphasize "technology-based and industry-appropriate training," with more than 250,000 trainees receiving instruction each year.
As the Director General, I continue to be strongly dedicated to safeguarding the authenticity of the NYSC.
"The plan represents a sign of national confidence, and we are implementing firm measures to protect all parts of our activities, from mobilization to implementation and service provision," he stated.
The NYSC, he pledged to Nigerians, "continues to be a functioning organization, positively impacting lives and fostering national development from the grassroots."
Nafiu encouraged the recipients to take on their new responsibilities as champions of harmony.
You might no longer be dressed in khaki, but you now carry something far more lasting: the assurance of a powerful country.
This honor marks another milestone in your perseverance and devotion to selfless service for your nation, as you continue to represent unity and inspire hope through innovation.
"May this gathering serve as a reminder to everyone that service remains significant, that unity continues to shape our power, and most importantly, that the Nigerian youth are the hope for our magnificent country. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria," he added.
One of the recipients, Ezieme Uba, showed appreciation, stating, "I am happy and thankful to the President for the honor of presenting us with this award."
Nothing brings more happiness than knowing you are working successfully. Thanks to this chance, I am very pleased.
I express my gratitude to my parents for their encouragement, my friends, including those who were once part of the Corps, and I hope that the Lord will bestow His blessings upon them.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).