In a landmark move to honour exemplary service, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced automatic federal civil service employment for 200 outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members from the 2020 to 2023 service years. Each awardee will also receive a ₦250,000 cash prize and a postgraduate scholarship to any Nigerian university.
The announcement was made at the NYSC Presidential Honours Award Ceremony held in Abuja. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, described the honorees as “the future of Nigeria.”
In a particularly inclusive gesture, the President also approved immediate employment for 10 physically challenged ex-corps members who sustained injuries while serving the nation.
“Your patriotism and integrity have earned you this national recognition. You are the future of Nigeria,” President Tinubu stated.
Notable Awardees (Highlights):
Male:
- Nunaya Polycarp (2020 Batch B – Adamawa, served in Kwara)
- Okpogbo Alvin Chinedu (2021 Batch A – Imo, served in Cross River)
- Dr. Ugwa Obinna Mark (2023 Batch B – Abia, served in Cross River)
- Rabiu Quadri Mayokun (2023 Batch C – Osun, served in Rivers)
Female:
- Akase Pati Ence Nguwasen (2021 Batch A – Benue, served in Gombe)
- Igwe Anne Chikaodi (2023 Batch C – Enugu, served in Sokoto)
NYSC Allowance Increased to ₦77,000
In a further boost to youth welfare, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, announced a significant increase in the NYSC monthly allowance—from ₦33,000 to ₦77,000.
“This is not politics. It’s recognition of the value our youth bring to nation-building,” Olawande said.
NYSC Impact in Numbers (2025):
- 2,300 medical doctors among 6,300 healthcare corps members provided medical outreach to over 4 million rural Nigerians
- 250,000+ corps members trained annually in technology, entrepreneurship, and market-relevant skills
Tribute to Fallen Corps Members
NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, paid tribute to four corps members who lost their lives during their national service.
“They are heroes of national unity. You may no longer wear khaki, but you now wear something greater—the confidence of a nation,” he told the audience.
The Presidential Honours Awards serve as a reminder of the continued importance of the NYSC scheme in promoting national unity, service, and youth development.
![Five Key Takeaways from Trump-Starmer Meeting in the UK Aylesbury, UK – September 18, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer presented a united front on major global issues during a joint press conference at Chequers, wrapping up Trump’s three-day visit to the United Kingdom. Despite recent tensions between Washington and European allies, the meeting underscored strong transatlantic ties as the two leaders discussed Ukraine, NATO, Gaza, Afghanistan, and more. 1. Trump Says Putin ‘Let Him Down’ Over Ukraine President Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the prolonged war in Ukraine, admitting he underestimated the challenge of resolving the conflict. “I thought it would be easiest because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down,” Trump said. PM Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, vowing to increase pressure on Russia and push for a lasting peace deal. 2. Divergence on Gaza, But Unity Against Hamas While both leaders condemned Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, they differed on the broader approach to the Gaza conflict. Trump avoided criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which has killed over 65,000 Palestinians, calling October 7 “one of the worst days in the history of humanity.” Starmer's previous pledge to recognize a Palestinian state was noted as a “point of disagreement,” but Trump praised the UK leader’s strong stance against Hamas. 3. Trump Praises NATO and Increased Defense Spending Once a vocal NATO critic, Trump struck a different tone, applauding the alliance’s commitment to boost defense spending. “I want to thank NATO and our wonderful head of NATO, Mark [Rutte]… They’ve done a great job,” he said, highlighting a new pledge for members to spend 5% of GDP on defense. Trump emphasized U.S. support in supplying weapons to NATO allies, stressing that the alliance was now “paying its fair share.” 4. Bagram Airbase Back in Focus Trump hinted at possible negotiations with the Taliban for the U.S. to regain access to the Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, which was vacated in 2021 during the Biden administration’s withdrawal. “We’re trying to get it back,” Trump said, citing its strategic location near China’s nuclear facilities. The Taliban, however, quickly dismissed the proposal, stating they welcome engagement with the U.S. but will not allow any foreign military presence. 5. Trump Weighs in on Kimmel Firing Trump also addressed the firing of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel by ABC, following political controversy over remarks involving conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. “Jimmy Kimmel was fired because he had bad ratings… He’s not a talented person,” Trump said, dismissing concerns about free speech and framing the firing as a business decision. Conclusion: The Trump-Starmer meeting reflected a broad effort to reinforce U.S.-UK ties amid ongoing global crises. While areas of disagreement remain, particularly on Middle East policy, both leaders signaled alignment on Ukraine, NATO, and global security cooperation.](https://trendbrio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/USA-TRUMP-BRITAIN-AND-KEIR-STARMER.webp)
