UMUAHIA (Sundiata Post) – The Abia Government, on Saturday, conferred the Outstanding Corps Member of the Year 2024 Award on Chief Francis Owums for his immense contributions to the socio-economic development of the state.
The ex-corps member was honoured with the State Honours Award during a colourful ceremony at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Secretariat in Umuahia.
Owums, with the registration number: AB/2023C/0336, was given a cash prize of N400,000 by the government in addition to a Certificate of Honour, signed by the governor.
A graduate of Information Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Owums was honoured for his personal Community Development Project during his service year.
He was recognised for organising skill acquisition training programme for 150 natives, including widows, youths, and out-of-school children in Umuawa-Alaocha Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area.
The Imo-born business developer and consultant, also empowered 10 most indigent participants with N1 million and issued a Certificate of Participation to all the participants.
In appreciation of his great service, the traditional ruler of Umuawa-Alaocha Ancient Kingdom, Eze Godswill Asomugha, had conferred him with a chieftaincy title “Olu Aka Chukwu 1 of Umuawa-Alaocha Kingdom.”
In a speech, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Gladys Adama, appreciated the government for fulfilling its promise of honouring corps members, who made positive impacts during their service year.
According to Adama, this gesture demonstrates the government’s commitment to the NYSC scheme and its values of service, integrity, and patriotism.
Speaking to newsmen, Owums expressed gratitude to God and the organisers for the recognition, saying it would spur him to do more for humanity.
Owums, who served at Campus Innovation Hub Limited, Umuahia, said he was touched by a lot of young widows, youths and out-of-school children roaming the streets in the state capital.
He said: “I saw that as an anomaly and decided to do something to change their lives because I don’t necessarily believe that NYSC is all about ‘allowee’ (allowance).
“You will never see me complain about this country because I believe that change starts with us.
“My mentality to helping is not to give fish but to teach one how to fish, which is why I particularly chose empowerment programme.”
Owums also advised young people, especially students and corps members, to start doing something for themselves instead of waiting for the country to help them.
“You can help yourself, learn skills, do something because little raindrops make up a river,” he said.(NAN)
