By Davison Ogbebor

BENIN CITY — Edo State has recorded another remarkable milestone in national service as ten of its indigenes emerged among the recipients of the prestigious President’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Honours Award 2025, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development, community service and exemplary leadership during their service year.

The awardees Divine Osagioduwa Omoruyi, Joy Ihenyen Ehinome, Odu Solomon Donald, Osaretin Michael, Osas Unuane, Dr. Samuel Osarodion Elaiho, Etinosa Kelvin Ajayi, Charles Akhabue, Hope Adesuwa Asubaja and Mary Aimuam have brought honour to Edo State through exceptional dedication, professionalism and selfless service.

The recognition further reinforces Edo State’s reputation as a leading producer of highly skilled and socially responsible graduates who continue to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s development.

Among the distinguished recipients is Divine Osagioduwa Omoruyi, a graduate of Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, whose innovative application of statistical analysis and digital technology during his service in Taraba State significantly improved NYSC administrative processes.

Omoruyi introduced electronic opinion surveys and digital data collection systems that enhanced decision-making within the scheme. Beyond his official duties, he established a relaxation centre at the NYSC State Secretariat, organised environmental sanitation campaigns, led tree-planting initiatives to combat erosion in Jalingo and neighbouring communities, and actively promoted sports and recreational programmes for corps members.

Also honoured is Dr. Samuel Osarodion Elaiho, an optometrist and graduate of the University of Benin, whose humanitarian medical outreach transformed the lives of hundreds of residents during his service in Abia State.

Working at the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre as well as the NYSC orientation camp clinic, Dr. Elaiho provided free eye examinations, prescription glasses and medications to vulnerable members of society. He also organised skills acquisition programmes for youths in decoration and graphic design while supporting the treatment and referral of corps members requiring specialist medical care.
His exceptional performance first earned him the Abia State Best Corps Member Award in 2022, before culminating in the President’s NYSC Honours Award.

The remaining eight Edo awardees also distinguished themselves through outstanding service in their various states of deployment.

Joy Ihenyen Ehinome was recognised for her dedication to community development and impactful service delivery, while Odu Solomon Donald earned national recognition through exemplary commitment to his primary assignment and community engagement.
Osaretin Michael demonstrated exceptional leadership and professionalism throughout his service year, just as Osas Unuane distinguished herself through humanitarian initiatives and youth-focused community projects.

Similarly, Etinosa Kelvin Ajayi was honoured for his outstanding contributions to community development and public service, while Charles Akhabue received national recognition for his commitment to nation-building and grassroots development.

Also among the recipients is Hope Adesuwa Asubaja, whose selfless service and impactful interventions earned commendation, alongside Mary Aimuam, whose dedication to community service and developmental initiatives equally attracted national recognition.

Collectively, the ten awardees represent excellence in public service, innovation, healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development, reflecting the values promoted by the National Youth Service Corps.

Their achievements have prompted growing calls for the Edo State Government to formally recognise and honour them for bringing distinction to the state.
Stakeholders believe that state recognition would not only celebrate their accomplishments but also inspire thousands of young Edo citizens to embrace patriotism, innovation, excellence and selfless service.

At a time when Nigeria seeks greater youth participation in nation-building, the accomplishments of Divine Osagioduwa Omoruyi, Joy Ihenyen Ehinome, Odu Solomon Donald, Osaretin Michael, Osas Unuane, Dr. Samuel Osarodion Elaiho, Etinosa Kelvin Ajayi, Charles Akhabue, Hope Adesuwa Asubaja and Mary Aimuam stand as a testament to the transformative power of education, dedication and national service.

For Edo State, their success is more than a collection of individual achievements it is a source of collective pride and compelling evidence that the state’s investment in education and human capital continues to yield national dividends.