President Muhammadu Buhari gave 65 former members of the National Youth Service in Abuja automatic federal civil service appointments.
In addition to his employment, Buhari on Thursday also gave them scholarships to pursue doctorate degrees at any university of their choice in the country.
He also announced 250,000 naira prizes each to the top award winners and 200,000 naira prizes to other winners, including a physically-challenged former member of the service under the Hope Alive Programme.
Buhari has issued orders to the Federal Civil Service Commissioner, the Federal Civil Service Commission and the Minister of Education to implement employment and provide scholarships.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, announced the development in a statement on Thursday titled ‘President Buhari grants 65 ex-corps members automatic employment, lists achievements of NYSC at 50.’
Speaking at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held at the State House Conference Centre, the President said out of the 65 recipients, 52 individuals received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically-challenged ex-corps members recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.
He also paid tribute to members of honorary units who lost their lives in various circumstances in the service of their country.
“But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees. May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines. The nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity, Buhari said.
Buhari congratulated the founding fathers, past and present managers of the NYSC on the scheme’s golden jubilee.
cc: Punch Ng
