Nine
outstanding youths of Akwa Ibom origin yesterday distinguished themselves as
winners at the 2019 President's NYSC Honours Awards for the combined years of
2015, 2016 and 2017.
The
President Honours Awards for outstanding Corps members began in. 1974 with the
conferment of National Honours on ten (10) ex-Corps members of the pioneer
batch at a colourful ceremony presided by the then Head of State and founding
fathers of the NYSC, General Yakubu Gowon. Thus the culture of promoting
excellence among young people through appropriate recognition was instituted.
The
nine Akwa Ibomites who on the night were conferred with Honours by the
President include Dr John Emmanuel Ekem, who is the current Public Relations
Officer of the Nigerian Medical Association, Mr Udoh Mboutidem Nkereuwem, Miss
Owo Blessing Michael, Mr Michael Aniekan Akpan, Asuquo Queen-Ann Francis, Dr
Ubokobong Imeh Essiet, Mr George Aniekeme S and Mr Effiong Edifon Celestine.
These
Akwa Ibomites who had earlier won the State Honours Awards at their different
places of Primary assignment underwent a rigorous screening by the National
Selection Committee drawn from relevant institutions and stakeholders including
the Presidency, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, The Nigerian Army, The
Nigerian Police, Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Committee
of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Committee of Rectors of
Polytechnics, The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, National Council
of Women Societies (NCWS) and Ex-NYSC directors.
In
a related development, the Honourable Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of
Assembly expressed his immense joy at these outstanding achievement by a group
he described as Akwa Ibom Champions. The Speaker congratulated the award
winners and urged other Akwa Ibom youths to emulate them.
Three
Akwa Ibomites were named overall best for three years consecutively. There are
Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, overall best corps member 2015. The National Awardees-
Best Corps member 2015, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John; Mr Michael Akpan- overall best
corp member 2016 and Dr Ubokobong Essiet, overall best corp member 2017.
In
his speech at the event which held at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, Vice President
Yemi Osibanjo, representing President Muhammudu Buhari announced automatic
employment in the federal civil service and scholarships to PHD level in any
Nigerian University to all awardees.
Wow! This is very good!! Congratulations guys!!!
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