Cross River gov offers automatic employment to seven Corps members

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has offered automatic employment to seven indigenes of the state who distinguished themselves during the 2025 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and received Presidential Honours from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor announced the reward when he received the awardees at his residence in Calabar over the weekend, describing their achievements as a reflection of the “true Cross River spirit” of excellence, diligence and selfless service.

The seven award recipients were among corps members honoured by President Tinubu at the Presidential Honours Award ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in recognition of their outstanding service during the one-year national assignment.

Speaking during the reception, Otu commended the awardees for projecting Cross River State positively through their exemplary conduct and commitment to community development.

“I feel elated and proud of your distinguished service to humanity and the communities where you served, which made you stand out during your service year and culminated in the prestigious Presidential Honours Award conferred on you by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the governor said.

He urged young people in the state to emulate the values of discipline, dedication and excellence, noting that such qualities remain essential for personal success and national development.

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“This goes a long way to show the true Cross River spirit, exemplified through excellence, diligence and commitment. Thank you for distinguishing yourselves throughout your service year and for being worthy ambassadors of our dear state,” he added.

The governor assured the awardees of his administration’s continued support, expressing confidence in the capacity of the state’s youth to drive its future development.

“With young people like you, I believe the future of our state is guaranteed. My administration will always stand by you and support you in whatever endeavour you choose to undertake,” he said.

Beyond the offer of automatic employment, Otu disclosed that beneficiaries who choose not to join the state civil service would receive support through entrepreneurship training, skills acquisition programmes or take-off grants to establish businesses of their choice.

The beneficiaries are Christopher Utsu, Favour Asuquo, Ndem Ndem, Freedom Udama, Miracle Bisong, Agom Johnson and Clement Ekunke, who were recognised by the Federal Government for their exceptional performance and contributions during the 2025 NYSC service year.

The governor’s gesture is expected to encourage more young Cross Riverians to strive for excellence during the national service programme while reinforcing the state’s commitment to youth development and empowerment.