By Thompson Yamput
Brig. Gen. Isangubong Akpaumontia, 12 Brigade Commander, Nigerian Army, said NYSC was the most effective organisation in Nigeria fostering unity among the youth.
The brigade commander made the statement during the Kogi NYSC Award Night as part of celebration of the corps’ 50th anniversary at Glass House, Government House, Lokoja.
Akpaumontia said that the NYSC scheme was doing a lot at grooming talented youths, who were potential future leaders of the nation.
“I want to assure you here today, that the Nigeria Army will not relent in its cooperation and support to the NYSC to keep pace with its objectives for the development of Nigeria, ” he said.
He, however presented a token as an award to the corps State Co-ordinator, Mrs Mofoluwaso Williams, for untiring efforts at piloting the affairs of NYSC in Kogi.
The coordinator announced the 12 Brigade Command, Nigerian Army as the winner of the Best Corps Employer Award in Kogi
Williams described the Nigeria Army as “the pride of the corps”.
The coordinator said the brigade had impacted a lot on the lives of corps members year in year out by absorbing most of them for service.
Williams explained that the award night was part of celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the corps, whose fingerprints were clearly reflected in the educational, health, agricultural, infrastructural and other sectors of the Nigerian economy.
“Our corps doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and teachers have continued to add value to the lives of the good people of Kogi State through quality services rendered by them.
“Accordingly, the scheme in Kogi has found it evidently fit and proper to honour some personalities who have been supportive of our programmes and activities in the state over the years.
“It is pertinent to mention that the list of our active partners is open-ended, but for the purpose of this special event, a few of them have been identified and honoured this evening.
“Their support has not only made the lofty objectives of the scheme achievable, but added value to the welfare of our corps members who have contributed immensely to the development of their respective host communities in the state,” she said.
She said as the NYSC scheme turned 50 years, the State Government should be assured of continued support to its activities.
According to her, “Our corps members with their youthful energy, strength and expertise are willing and ready to continue contributing positively to humanity.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the awardees included Oba of Kabba, Solomon Dele-Awoniyi.
Mr Isah Sakpe got the Staff Merit Award, while Mrs Mofoluwaso Williams, Sunday Olusegun, Hassan Ahmed, Kolawole Owoeye, Joseph Isa-Oyibo got the Long Service Award.
Responding on behalf of the Awardees, Brig. Gen. Akpaumontia thanked the Kogi NYSC for recognising and appreciating their contributions to its success stories. NAN
