Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has approved automatic employment for seven members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who distinguished themselves during their service year in the state.
The governor also honoured outstanding students, teachers and recipients of various national awards in recognition of their exceptional academic achievements and contributions to education.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan.
According to the statement, the governor announced the employment opportunities during the presentation of awards to exceptional education achievers at the Cocoa Conference Centre within the Governor’s Office in Akure.
In addition to the employment offer, Aiyedatiwa presented a cash reward of ₦1 million each to the 66 award recipients in appreciation of their dedication, excellence and commitment to educational development.
The governor said the gesture reflected his administration’s determination to encourage excellence and retain talented individuals within Ondo State, stressing that continuous investment in human capital remains critical to sustainable development.
“The gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to promoting excellence and retaining exceptional talents in Ondo State, stressing that sustained investment in human capital development remained the foundation of the state’s long-term growth.
”This event is a celebration of excellence and a reminder that the quality of a society’s human capital remained its greatest asset. The awardees have brought honour to Ondo State through their academic achievements, innovation, discipline and commitment to excellence.
”You have not only excelled in your various endeavours; you have become worthy ambassadors of the Sunshine State and shining examples for generations yet unborn.”
Aiyedatiwa also paid glowing tribute to teachers, describing them as the driving force behind national development and the individuals responsible for shaping future generations.
He noted that every successful individual owes part of their achievements to committed educators who dedicate themselves to nurturing talent and building character.
”Countries are not built by chance; they are built in classrooms by committed teachers who mould character, impart knowledge and inspire dreams.
“History may remember the achievers, but posterity will always honour those who nurtured them for greatness,” Aiyedatiwa stated.
Earlier, the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Igbekele Ajibefun, said the recognition programme was designed to celebrate excellence while motivating students and teachers across the state to strive for greater accomplishments.
He reiterated that education remains one of the top priorities of the Aiyedatiwa administration and disclosed that the governor had directed the compilation of names of other students and citizens who have distinguished themselves academically for future recognition.
Ajibefun added that the government remains committed to rewarding excellence as part of broader efforts to improve educational standards and inspire healthy competition among learners and educators in the state.
