The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, has rewarded three Corps Members for their outstanding performances in a recently concluded creative writing competition organised by the Scheme.
Blessing Oluebube Ohanuka (BN/25A/0592), serving in Benue State, emerged overall best among nearly 40 entries received from across the country. She was presented with a cash reward of N100,000.00 for her work.
Yusuf Salahudeen Muhammad (LA/25A/19046), serving in Lagos State, secured the second position and was given N70,000.00, while Blessing Inyang Paul (NG/24A/2499), who served in Niger State, came third and went home with N50,000.00.
During the prize presentation ceremonies held at NYSC Secretariats in Makurdi, Lagos, and Benin, Brigadier General Nafiu praised the literary prowess and creative mindset of the three winners. He also commended other Corps Members who submitted entries for the competition but could not make it to the top three, noting that their efforts were appreciated.
Presenting the cash prize to Blessing Oluebube Ohanuka in Makurdi on behalf of the Director General, the NYSC Benue State Coordinator, Mrs Veronica Garba, congratulated her for the remarkable achievement. She encouraged her to “keep projecting the image of the Scheme and the nation at all times.”
In her acceptance speech, Miss Ohanuka expressed her gratitude for the recognition she received. “Writing has always been my way of expressing truth, faith, and hope, and the award has reinforced my belief in the power of words. This is a motivation to keep writing, keep learning, and keep inspiring,” she said.
She further dedicated the award to God, the organisers, the judges, and everyone who encouraged her throughout her writing journey.
The creative writing competition was instituted a few months ago to inspire Corps Members to tell compelling stories through pictures, poetry, and creative writing.
According to NYSC, the initiative is part of efforts to promote literary excellence and showcase the creative talent of Nigerian youths, encouraging them to contribute to national development through writing and storytelling.