By Utibe-ima Okon
An Akwa Ibom State-born National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Mary Etim, serving in Abuja, has been celebrated by her State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, after a short video she produced expressing gratitude for the state’s allowance to indigenous corps members went viral on the social media.
Mary, who previously served her internship at the Office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Government House, Uyo, won the Governor’s admiration through her heartfelt appreciation after receiving the state’s recently approved ₦80,000 allowance, including the payment of outstanding arrears.
Speaking during an interaction with her at Government House Uyo, Governor Eno said he was deeply touched by the video, noting that Mary’s excitement over receiving ₦80,000 was as though she had received ₦8 million.
“I watched the video and was genuinely impressed. Thank you for producing such a beautiful and sincere message of appreciation. It is refreshing to see someone acknowledge a good gesture,” the Governor said.
He described Mary’s gratitude as a lesson to many beneficiaries of government interventions who often fail to appreciate the support they receive.
Governor Eno reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting young people, explaining that the monthly allowance is paid to all Akwa Ibom indigenes serving across Nigeria, as well as non-indigenes serving in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, the initiative complements the Federal Government’s support for corps members and helps them meet transportation costs and other basic needs during their service year.
“My heart is with the youth because they are the future leaders of our nation. We will continue to support them in every way we can,” the Governor stated.
An elated Mary Etim thanked Governor Eno for his generosity and commitment to the welfare of corps members, describing him as a promise keeper.
She expressed gratitude that all eligible corps members in the state had benefited from the initiative.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Youth Development commended the Governor for ensuring that both Akwa Ibom indigenes serving outside the state and non-indigenes serving within the state received the allowance. He added that even corps members whose names were initially omitted were later captured and paid.
The Commissioner noted that the intervention had significantly eased the economic burden on corps members, complementing the allowance already provided by the Federal Government.
He further thanked Governor Eno for consistently investing in the future of young people and creating opportunities that give them hope, security, and confidence for a brighter future.
