NYSC members

Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi on Wednesday presented N500, 000 to a corps member, Miss Geraldene Ugwu, for outstanding performances during her service year in the state.

Umahi made the presentation at Afikpo at the conclusion of the orientation programme for the 2016 Batch A, Stream 11 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Charles Akpuenika, said the corps member distinguished herself with a borehole for her immediate environment.

He said that the corps member served at the Ebonyi State Rural Water and Sanitation Agency.

The commissioner said the gesture was to reward hard work and patriotism.

“Our governor always rewards excellence and hard work no matter the origin of the beneficiary.

“This should encourage new corps members who have just finished their orientation to work hard and improve the wellbeing of their immediate environment during their service year,” he said.

The commissioner urged the corps members not to disappoint the state and nation during their service year, having been equipped with the warmth and peaceful disposition of the state.

“It is expected that you employ the core values of the NYSC which include commitment and patriotism to improve the wellbeing of our people.

“Those of you who choose to indulge in various forms of crimes would be prosecuted whenever the law catches up with them.

“This administration frowns at the consistent rejection of corps members by employers which denies the state of their services.

“I hereby direct all employers in the state to allow corps members serve in their establishments, to avail the state of the services they provide,” he said.

Mr Usman Yusuf, a corps member from Sokoto, thanked the governor for directing employers in the state to admit them, noting that it had allayed their fear on the issue.

“We also appeal that our monthly allowances be increased to cushion the effects of harsh economic situation in the country,” he said.

The occasion featured a parade by corps members, cultural performances and collection of posting letters, among others. (NAN)