Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has honoured Mary Etim, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Abuja, after her heartfelt appreciation video went viral on social media.
In the short video, Mary Etim expressed her gratitude to Governor Eno for approving the payment of ₦80,000 to all Akwa Ibom indigenes serving as corps members in any state across Nigeria, as well as corps members from other states who are serving in Akwa Ibom. She described the initiative as timely and appreciated the Governor for remembering corps members during their service year.
The Governor, who was moved by the video, said Mary’s expression of gratitude was a rare display of appreciation and should serve as an example to beneficiaries of government programmes. He noted that many people receive support from the government but often fail to acknowledge or appreciate such gestures.
Governor Eno said he was deeply touched by Mary’s excitement, adding that her reaction to receiving ₦80,000 was as though she had received ₦8 million.
“I watched the video and was genuinely impressed,” the Governor said. “Thank you for producing such a beautiful and sincere message of appreciation. It is refreshing to see someone acknowledge a good gesture.”
He explained that the allowance was introduced to complement the Federal Government’s support for corps members and to help them meet transportation costs and other basic needs during their one-year national service.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of young people, especially corps members serving in and outside Akwa Ibom State. He said investing in the welfare of young people remains an important part of his government’s development agenda.
Speaking after being honoured, Mary Etim thanked Governor Eno for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of corps members. She said the allowance had brought relief to many corps members and confirmed that all eligible beneficiaries under the programme had received their payments.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development commended Governor Eno for extending the allowance to both Akwa Ibom indigenes serving in other states and non-indigenes serving in Akwa Ibom. He described the initiative as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of corps members.
The Commissioner further disclosed that corps members whose names were initially omitted from the payment list were later captured after the necessary verification process and have since received their allowances, ensuring that no eligible beneficiary was left out.
