Abia Governor Honors Ex-NYSC Members with Jobs and Cash Rewards
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has made a significant gesture by offering automatic employment and a cash gift of N500,000 each to two former corps members from the 2024 service year. The recipients, Solomon Abonyi and Esther Aderibigbe, were also presented with the Abia State Honours Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the state's socio-economic development.
Details of the Honored Corps Members
Solomon Abonyi, an indigene of Enugu State, studied Medicine and Surgery at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). Esther Aderibigbe, hailing from Osun State, pursued nursing at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara State. Both individuals were commended for their exceptional service during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) tenure.
Ceremony and New NYSC Coordinator's Pledge
The presentation took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, during the formal handover ceremony at the NYSC State Secretariat in Umuahia. This event marked the transition from Gladys Adama to the newly appointed NYSC state coordinator for Abia State, Tanimu Yunusa. Dr. Abonyi expressed gratitude to Governor Otti, stating that the award would motivate them to continue serving humanity.
In his address, Coordinator Yunusa thanked the staff for their warm reception and appealed for ongoing cooperation. He pledged to implement an open-door policy and prioritize staff welfare throughout his tenure, emphasizing a commitment to effective management.
Broader Context of NYSC Recognition
This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to reward exemplary NYSC members. Recall that President Bola Tinubu previously ordered the immediate employment of 200 corps members for outstanding service, along with offering jobs to 10 physically challenged individuals injured during their service years. Those honorees also received cash gifts of ₦250,000 each.
Similarly, in Cross River State, former corps member Miss Arit Abam was granted automatic employment in the state civil service by Governor Bassey Otu, who cited her gratitude to her father as a key factor. Abam had earlier received a three-bedroom bungalow for her parents from Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno.
These cases highlight a growing trend of recognizing and incentivizing youth contributions through the NYSC program, fostering development and motivation across Nigeria.
