The Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has identified with Mr. 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 was represented at the awards gala in Ekiti Governor’s Office by the State Commissioner for Youth, Hon. Adedayo Gold Adesola who expressed delight at Ekiti indigenes showcasing home-base talents to earn the Presidential Award through selfless sacrifice.

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 Mr. 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.

In turn, the NYSC Ekiti State Coordinator, Alh. Riko Abdullahi Shuiabu who was present at the occasion said, “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 is the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Ekiti State Governor on Community Communication, Mrs. Mary Oso who stated that “Governor Oyebanji have in his heart the development of the youth populace. The awardees have achieved this remarkable feat through uprightness to their selfless service towards national development.”

The awardees took turns addressing dignitaries at the award gala. Mr. Ogunlere Tobi who served in Abia State, registered his pleasure to the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, HE Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the recognition, adding that dedication propelled him to embark on the construction of a borehole and provision of chairs to the host community.

Dr. Ige Ayodeji Ezekiel, on his part, noted that act of resilience propelled 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.