The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Anambra State has urged corps members to take advantage of sporting activities to foster unity and love among themselves.
State Coordinator, Mrs. Blessing Ekene Iruma gave the advice during a football match between the NYSC staff and corps members as part of activities to mark 50 years anniversary celebration of the scheme.
The football match, played at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, state capital was in favour of the staff with a 1-0 win.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the match, Iruma said the competition was targeted at creating opportunities for corps members to leverage on the relationship they made in camp.
She said, “The competition is one of the important programmes the NYSC uses to engage corps members in order to foster greater unity and showcase their talents.
“It’s also an avenue for corps members to show themselves as ambassadors of the state they are currently serving and NYSC at large
The Coordinator further advised corps members to always put up spirit of sportsmanship and avoid irresponsible behavior.
Earlier, the Scheme had presented awards to individuals who distinguished themselves in various fields.
The awards came in five categories namely, NYSC best Local Government award which was given to Transition Committee Chairman Anambra East, Dr Anselm Onuorah and NYSC eat friendly Community Award went to Nri Community.
Others were NYSC best Corps employer award given to Solution Model Secondary School Mgbakwu, NYSC Long Service award given to NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Blessing Iruma and NYSC Staff Merit award which went to Mrs Ethel Kwazu.
Speaking during the award presentation, State Coordinator, Blessing Iruma said the award presentation was for motivation, recognition of excellence, inspiration and to spur both the recipients and others to put in their best for better and higher performance.
She appreciated state government, Local Government Councils, traditional rulers, religious bodies, Corps employers, government agencies, private and public organizations for their support to the scheme, just as she thanked stakeholders for integrating corps members and encouraged them to see Anambra as home away from home.
In their separate responses, the recipients thanked the NYSC for finding them worthy of the awards, noting that they were able to reach such feat, promising to do more.
Chairman of the occasion who is also state chairman, COREN, Engr. Victor Meju and Chairman ASATU Youth wing Comrade Ken Okoli commended NYSC for its contributions to national unity and development, urging corps members to put in their best in service to the nation and humanity.
