In a remarkable display of community development and youth engagement, a corps member, Agbenevere Blessing has completed a solar-powered borehole project for the Itapa Community in Oye-Ekiti.
This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind in the area.
Blessing, a member of the 2024 Batch A, Stream 2, embarked on the project after witnessing the community’s struggle with water scarcity.
During her speech at the commissioning, she described the project as an expression of her empathy for both fellow corps members and the people of Itapa while emphasizing the importance of youth participation in community-building and development efforts.
She also extended her appreciation to NYSC, acknowledging the platform it provided for her to make an impact.
Representing the State Governor, the Commissioner for Youth Development and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board, Hon. Adedayo Adesola, commended Blessing for her dedication and success in completing the project.
He praised her for leaving a lasting legacy and highlighted the crucial role of young people in capacity building and problem-solving.
He further assured her that the project would be recommended for a National Award, adding that the State Governor would recognize and reward her selfless service to Itapa Community and Ekiti State as a whole.
Speaking on behalf of the Ekiti State NYSC Coordinator, Alhaji Riko Abdullahi, the Assistant Director of HRM, Mr. Adejumo S.T, acknowledged the project as a fulfillment of one of NYSC’s core mandates—community development. He lauded Blessing’s efforts and encouraged other corps members to embrace NYSC’s values of service and impact.
The Owa-Itapa of Itapa Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) David Makanjuola Ajaja, PhD, described the borehole as a historic first for the community, underscoring the significance of NYSC in nation-building.
“On behalf of the people of Itapa, we express our profound gratitude to the corps member for her selfless service,” he said. “As the first project of its kind, Blessing’s legacy will be remembered for generations and will greatly contribute to the development of our community.”
Mr. Omotayo Sunday, Proprietor of Olamayowa School in Itapa Community, also applauded Blessing for her positive impact, emphasizing how the project enhances public health and sustainability.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The commissioning ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including:
Amb. Olu-Ajayi Maxwell – Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Development
Amb. Segun Bankole – Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigeria
Aaure Adedara Temitope – Chairman, Nigeria Youth Congress
Directors from the Ministry of Youth Development
NYSC Officials Present
Mr. Odunsi Babatunde – Public Relations Officer
Mr. Ohiozebau Praise – Assistant Director, Community Development Service
Mr. Oyedokun – Head of Corps Inspection
Mr. Alademeyin – Zonal Inspector, Ikole Zone
Mr. Okunlade Matthew – Local Government Inspector (Oye LGA)
Community Representatives Present
Chief Obaro – High Chief of Itapa Community
Chief Onipede Folake – Representative of the Ipu-Itapa Progressive Union
Chief Kayode Owoeye – Iya Ewe of Itapa
