Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has given automatic employment to seven outstanding indigenes of the state who distinguished themselves during the 2025 National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, year and were subsequently honoured by President Bola Tinubu with the prestigious Presidential Honours Award at the Aso Villa.
The governor made this known when he received the awardees at his residence in Calabar, at the weekend, describing their feat as a reflection of the “true Cross River spirit.”
Beaming with pride, Otu charged young Cross Riverians to continue embracing service, dedication and commitment wherever they find themselves, stressing that such values remain critical to projecting the state’s image positively on the national stage.
“I feel elated and proud of your distinguished service to humanity and the community you served, which made you stand out during your service year, culminating in the prestigious Presidential Honours Award conferred on you by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Villa,” the governor said.
He commended the corps members for exemplifying excellence, diligence and commitment throughout their service year, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the state.
“This goes a long way to show the true Cross River spirit that is exemplified through excellence, diligence and commitment.
“Thank you for distinguishing yourselves throughout your service year and for being good ambassadors of our dear State,” he added.
Assuring the young achievers of his administration’s unwavering support, Otu declared that Cross Ruver was in safe hands.
“With young people like you, I believe that the future of our State is guaranteed. I want you to know that my administration will always stand by you and will support you in any endeavour you desire to undertake,” he stated.
Beyond automatic employment, the governor disclosed that beneficiaries who opt out of state civil service would instead be supported with training, skill acquisition, or take-off grants to establish businesses of their choice, a move seen as a bold statement of the administration’s investment in youth empowerment.
The honoured corps members are Christopher Utsu (UNICROSS), Favour Asuquo (UNICROSS), Ndem Ndem (UNICAL), Freedom Udama (UNICROSS), Miracle Bisong (Federal Polytechnic, Nekede), Agom Johnson (UNICROSS), and Clement Ekunke (UNICROSS), all of whom made Cross River State proud through their outstanding service to the nation during the 2025 service year.
The gesture is expected to inspire more young Cross Riverians to pursue excellence during their service year, with hopes of similar recognition and support from the state government.