Grace Omachoko
The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji has recognized Ogunlere Tobi and Dr. Ige Ayodeji Ezekiel, who are among those bestowed with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Presidential Award for outstanding community service.
Governor Oyebanji, represented at the awards ceremony by the State Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Adedayo Gold Adesola at the Ekiti Governor’s Office, expressed gladness over the selfless sacrifice of Ekiti indigenes who showcased home-base talents which earned the Presidential Award.
“You have brought glory to Ekiti – this proves our state provides bedrock nurturing individuals tackling society’s ills creatively,” Hon. Adesola declared before draping medallions around the necks of Ogunlere Tobi formerly posted to Abia State and Dr. Ige Ayodeji Ezekiel, ex-corps member from Kwara State.
“You must continue to thrive in taking Ekiti State to greater heights.” He added.
Similarly, the NYSC Ekiti State Coordinator, Alh. Riko Abdullahi Shuiabu stated, “We have seen situations where our youth went outside the State, won an award, but when they come back, nobody recognizes them, but this is the first time I came to realize aside that you went outside the state to win an award, the State also deem you fit of recognition.
“These awardees have proven to Nigerians what the people of Ekiti epitomize. Thus, they deserve all accolades,” Alh. Shuaibu added.
Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ekiti State Governor on Community Communication, Mary-Oso Omotosho who stated that Oyebanji prioritise the development of the youth populace, also noted that the awardees have achieved the remarkable feat through uprightness to their selfless service towards national development.
Ogunlere Tobi, who served in Abia State, expressed his gratitude to the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, for the recognition, adding that dedication propelled him to embark on the construction of a borehole and provision of chairs to the host community.
On his part, Dr. Ige Ayodeji Ezekiel, noted that act of resilience moved him to serve in the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Subsequently, he renovated classrooms around Oke-Odo, Tanke Area and provided 200 glasses to indigent pupils at his host communities.
