Former corps members numbering 168 were honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari at the combined 2015/2016/2017 President’s NYSC Honours Award held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion which was held on Friday.
The awardees were given automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service and scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian universities.
The President’s NYSC Honours Award was established to encourage corps members to contribute to the development of the nation through different community development projects.
It was started in 1974.
At the occasion too, 15 former corps members who suffered disability during their service year were recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme while three people were given the National Council for Women Affairs Award.
Speaking at the occasion, the president urged the awardees to see themselves as leaders and realise that being a leader comes with responsibilities.
He said they should also see themselves as good ambassadors of NYSC.
His words: “To all of today’s honorees, let me make it clear that you are not just the future of this country, but also its present.
“You must all see yourselves as the leaders that you are; but leadership comes with responsibilities and continuous sacrifice.
“The successes you have achieved and are being rewarded for today, should inspire you to even greater feats, in your various spheres of influence.
“I therefore charge you all to continue to be the light for others to follow, whilst also seeing yourselves as lifelong ambassadors of the NYSC.
“In line with our policy of encouraging and rewarding excellence among our youth, I hereby announce the immediate employment into the Federal Civil Service of all the Award winners and beneficiaries of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.
“In addition, the Federal Government hereby offers each of you automatic scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian University of your choice,” he said.
