Ondo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mrs. Victoria Nnenna Ani, has said that individuals who wished to be fulfilled in life must render selfless service to the society.
Ani made the remark on Thursday during the send forth organised in honour of the her predecessor, Mrs. Grace Akpabio, and three other Assistant Directors.
The state coordinator said Akpabio devoted her entire three and half years in Ondo State to making invaluable contributions to uplift the scheme.
“It is on record that what Mrs. Akpabio achieved during her tenure as the state coordinator is outstanding and we are building on the solid foundation she laid. Her achievements cover a wide range of activities and that is why we are celebrating the woman of excellence she is today.”
Ani said that posterity would be kind to this woman with a large heart because she transformed the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Ikare-Akoko and pursue infrastructural development with uncommon vigour and commitment.
The testimonies of distinguished guests in honour of Akpabio who is now with the Planning, Research and Statistics at the Directorate Headquarters, Abuja was tremendous.
They all testified to her generosity, with some describing her as ‘Gracious Grace’ whose humility and deep sense of responsibility had placed her above her peers.
In response, Akpabio said she could not find words to appreciate everyone for the encomiums showered on her.
Akpabio thanked everyone for the love shown to her and prayed that God would repay individuals for the unflinching support rendered to her in the course of her service in Ondo State.
“Ondo State has become my second home and I cannot but specially thank my husband for the love and understanding he has been supporting me with since I joined the scheme. Also, the entire workforce of NYSC for diligently discharging their responsibilities,” she said.
“I wish to place on record the immeasurable support and assistance received from the government and good people of Ondo State, right from His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu (SAN), the State Executive Council members, the political office holders and the career public servants and others too numerous to mention. I want to say that I am deeply humbled for the support.”
She thanked the press for the coverage during her tenure.
Others honoured at the event are Messrs Oyebade, Babatunde John; Henry, John Suru and Ogunfidodo Adebowale.
Akpabio thanked her successor, Ani, and members of staff for celebrating them.
The colourful occasion had in attendance, Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Bolaji Amidu Salami; the immediate past Acting Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye; immediate past Commissioner for Works, Saka Yusuff Ogunleye; one time Head of Service, Toyin Akinkuotu and Chairman, Ondo State Board of Inland Revenue Service.
Also present was the General Manager, Nigerian Television Authority, Akure, Pastor Segun Ojelade; the Branch Manager of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, representative of General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria FRCN, Positive 102.5 FM; Heads of Federal Establishments in Ondo State and others.
