Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano on Friday gave automatic employment to 17 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who performed well in the course of their one year national service in the state.

Addressing NYSC members in Awka at the Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, the Governor explained that the awards were in recognition of the outstanding performances of the awardees in the course of their national assignment.

According to Obiano, the gesture was as a result of his experience during his service years in Benue State when he was rewarded with both an award and automatic employment for carrying out a major project in his community.

He expressed confidence that the award would spur them into contributing more to the growth and development of the state when fully integrated into the civil service.

While assuring the serving corps members of their maximum security in the state, the Governor cautioned them against unnecessary traveling and other activities that would not add value to their lives and destinies.

The corps members, comprising of 10 2015 Batch ‘B’ and seven 2016 Batch ‘A’ corps members, were also rewarded with cash donations and laptops for distinguishing themselves during their service year.

The corps member, who came first in his Community Development Service projects, got N200,000cash, plus a laptop; while the second and third positions also got laptops and cash awards of N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

One of the beneficiaries, Emmanuel Chegwe, who served with the National Television Authority, hailed both the state government and the NYSC scheme, pledging to continue to give his best in the public service.

Earlier in his speech, the NYSC state coordinator, Ebenezer Olawale commended the Governor for his support and encouragement to the scheme, especially in regular payment of allowances to corps members and ensuring the completion of the permanent orientation camp site.

While congratulating the awardees, he challenged other corps members to borrow a leaf from their colleagues in other to benefit from similar gestures.