By CHARLES IWUOHA

An ex-National Youth Service Corps member (NYSC), Mr. Caleb Simon Jnr, has been rewarded by the Ebonyi State Government for his outstanding performance during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

He reportedly showed commitment as he continued working at his place of Primary Assignment while his mates heeded government’s advice to stay at home.

Simon’s sacrifice and dedication did not go unnoticed and therefore the Ebonyi State Government on Wednesday rewarded him with a cash price and an honours certificate.

Mr. Simon, according to the NYSC, in addition to being conscientious at his place of Primary Assignment, the ICT Department of the Government House, also donated safety materials to the state Ministry of Environment.

The safety materials included two overalls with reflective fabric to help cover and protect the body, 20 safety dust nose mask, 20 safety pairs of hand gloves and 25 pairs of safety boots.

The materials were donated to protect the workers of the Ministry while carrying out their duties.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Governor David Umahi urged corps members in the state to be creative, dedicated and hardworking during the service.

He said the state government decided to honor the corps member because he painstakingly carried out various life touching community development projects during the pandemic lockdown.

“While his mates were at home he was busy working, contributing his quota to the development of the people and the state.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr. Charles Akpuenika, the Governor enjoined serving corps members to emulate Mr. Simon while emphasising that the state government rewards hard work and excellence.

In her remark, the state NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Mercy Bamai, appreciated the state government for seeing the need to reward outstanding corpse members, adding that such gesture will encourage others to put in their best efforts.

She added that from camp, corps members are encouraged to identify the felt needs of the people in order to touch lives.

Mrs. Bamai commended Simon for making the NYSC proud while observing that he was still serving at his former place of Primary Assignment even though he has passed out.

Speaking to journalists after receiving the award, Mr Simon said he decided to stay back and continue working as there was no corps members mobilised to replace him due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He thanked the state government and the NYSC for the award and the opportunity to serve in the state.

Highpoint of the event was the award of N300,000 cash prize and a state honours award certificate to him.