The Executive Secretary of the Abia State Diaspora Commission, Rev. Ambassador Annie Onu, has commended nine indigenes of Abia State who were among 200 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) recently honoured by President Bola Tinubu for outstanding performance during their service year.
Speaking at Government House Umuahia, on Wednesday, when the awardees paid her a courtesy visit, Rev. Onu described their recognition as a source of immense pride to the State, noting that their commitment and discipline had distinguished them as exemplary citizens.
“On behalf of the Abia State Government, under the able leadership of His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti, I heartily congratulate you for achieving this national recognition.
“Your dedication, discipline, and exemplary contributions during your service year have distinguished you as role models for other young people in Abia and beyond.
“You have shown that young Abians, whether at home or in the Diaspora, can rise above challenges, make a difference in society, and be recognised at the highest levels”, she said.
The Diaspora Commission boss stressed that the award is a reflection of the values of excellence and integrity for which Abians are known both at home and abroad.
“Your performance has demonstrated that the spirit of hard work, resilience, and innovation that defines Abians continues to shine wherever we find ourselves. This is the same spirit that our brothers and sisters in the Diaspora are known for”, Ambassador Onu said.
She further stated that the awards has reinforced the State’s reputation for resilience, innovation and service, noting that their achievement has placed them in the spotlight as global ambassadors of the State.
Ambassador Onu therefore charged them to regard the honour not as an end in itself but as a call to greater responsibility, urging them to continue to make Abia State and Nigeria proud.
“I want to particularly encourage you not to see this honour as the end of your journey, but as a call to greater responsibility. Having been celebrated nationally, the world is now watching you.
“Let this award propel you to higher levels of achievement and service, whether in academics, public service, entrepreneurship, or global engagement.
“Go forth and make Abia State and Nigeria proud. Remember that you carry with you the hopes of millions of young people who look up to you for inspiration”, she urged.
The Executive Secretary also assured the honourees of the support of the Abia State Government, noting that the Diaspora Commission is working to strengthen partnerships that would create opportunities for mentorship, exchange, and empowerment of young Abians.
She expressed appreciation to their families, mentors and the NYSC scheme for providing the platform that enabled the nine awardees to excel and urged them to continue inspiring others.
Speaking on behalf of other awardees, Dr Obinna Ugwa, Mr Anyanwu Promise and Miracle Eke, expressed gratitude to the Abia State Government and the Office of the Diaspora Commission for celebrating them.
They recalled that the Presidential Awards came as recognition of their exceptional contributions during their service year, which included initiating impactful community development projects, advancing educational opportunities for underprivileged children and carrying out Health and Environmental campaigns that touched many lives.
While promising to continue to be worthy Ambassadors of the State and beyond, the awardees also called for the creation of more platforms that would enable them to contribute their quota to the socio-economic advancement of Abia State.
