173 Ex-Corpers Employed by the Presidency into Civil Service

Federal Government, Monday, gave letters of employment to 173 ex-Corps members for immediate appointment into the various ministries in the Civil Service. The Federal Civil Service Commission [FCSC] officially handed over appointment letters to the 173 ex-National Youth Service Corp [NYSC] who served in 2012, 2013 and 2014 for distinguishing themselves during their service years. Presenting the letters to the recipients in Abuja, FCSC Chairman, Deaconess Joan Ayo commended the awardees for exhibiting exemplary conduct and discipline throughout their years in service. ”You are a special breed, congratulations for this achievement. You did not only excel in the Universities but even in your NYSC. It shows you are hard working that is why you have been able to distinguish yourselves among your peers”. She said: “Your appointment is on merit and that is why it has nothing to do with the federal character principle. “Your selection is devoid of political influence. It has nothing to do with political affiliation. “You are a special breed and I really congratulate you. You have exemplified good character and hard-work. It is natural for you to display integrity and patriotism, and that is why you are here.” Ayo admonished the new appointees to sustain the character that earned them the award “and even improve on it”. ”You have also displayed high sense of integrity, while others were sleeping, you were just there to contribute your quota to the survival and development of the nation. Few months ago, you were made to undergo various induction training by this commission, all geared towards preparing you for the task ahead. Today, as we present to you these letters, you are expected to visit the office of your state commissioner for proper documentation”. Out of the total of 173 members, 164 got Presidential Awards while the remaining nine were introduced into the scheme via the aegis of Hope Alive, a brainchild of the NYSC. It will be recalled that the Presidential awards was earlier bestowed on the corps members in March this year following the announcement made by Former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Presidential Villa in Abuja following an induction course which the Corp members undertook two months ago. However, Deaconess Ayo explained that the delay in the appointment to the awardees and the nine Hope Alive members was due to the change in government. The NYSC Hope Alive Initiative is a public/private sector partnership (PPP) aimed at bringing succour to corps members who suffer permanent disability during service. According to Director General of the NYSC, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawunmi, “The initiative is also designed “to give hope to future corps members that the scheme and indeed this great nation will not abandon those who may suffer similar fate in the course of national service”. This indeed is a worthy initiative. In the past, youth corps members who sustain injuries leading to permanent disabilities during their service were subjected to post-service emotional and psychological trauma as they were neglected by the same society they were mobilised to serve. In his remarks, NYSC DG told the awardees to see themselves as a mirror of good conduct through which people see the imperative of service to humanity. Olawunmi stressed that the federal government is committed to protecting all serving corps members and even taking care of any unforeseen circumstances that might arise during their service year. He however prayed that no evil would be-fall them, stressing the Buhari’s government determination to put them and their welfare at the centre of his administration. On the nine members who sustained severe injuries during their service years, the NYSC boss quoted President Buhari saying, “No Nigerian youth will be abandoned.” He assured prospective NYSC members that the scheme would continue to ensure that the corps members who distinguished themselves during the service year would be adequately compensated.

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