The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Osun State has as part of its drive towards ensuring an all inclusive electoral process, recognised and recommended 10 Corps Members with Physical Disabilities for the State Coordinator's commendation for their active participation and outstanding performance during the 2022 Gubernatorial Election in the State.

Speaking at the Award Ceremony which took place on Thursday at the NYSC Secretariat in Osogbo, the NYSC Osun State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Abdulwahab, appreciated INEC for introducing the initiative in its drive to encourage Corps Members irrespective of their Physical challenges to participate in the electoral process.

She stated that the initiative was a welcome development as it will go a long way in encouraging hardwork and dignity of labour among the elite youths mobilised for service. Abdulwahab reiterated the commitment of NYSC to the training of Corps Members, instiling discipline and heightening the moral tone of the Members through the carrot and stick system.

According to her, the NYSC Scheme has a system in place which rewards irrespective of background, ethnic inclination nor physical outlook, hardwork and outstanding performance by Corps Members and also a system that disciplines erring Members who flaunt the NYSC Bye-laws.

She commended the Corps Members for being worthy Ambassadors of the NYSC, their respective families and the nation as well. She assured them that their good deeds and outstanding comportment during the Osun State Gubernatorial Election which earned them the award will be duly reported to the Director General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. MK Fadah, whose policy thrust has at its core the welfare of the Members of the Scheme.

Also speaking at the event, the Administrative Secretary of the Commission, Mr Alani Abdulsalam Oduntan, commended the Management of the NYSC Scheme for its robust collaboration with the INEC which has resulted in the success of the nation's electoral processes over the years.

Alani stated that the event was birthed by the Commission's passion for the inclusion of people with disabilities in the electoral process. He stated that out of the 38 PWDs who put in for the adhoc assignment only 10 shew up and participated actively, manning their polling units with excellent service delivery to the amazement and commendation of all present. This, according to him, made the Commission to recommend the Corps Members for the award.

Alani further stated that the inclusion of the Corps Members in the process has ranked the State as the first to achieve the all inclusive mandate of the Commission. He stated that the Chairman of the Commission has equally been notified of the Corps Members participation and outstanding performance.

Corps Member Aniebonam Amanda appreciated the NYSC and INEC for identifying with them and appreciating their efforts in contributing their own quota in nation building. Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients of the award, Amanda said she and her colleagues were only discharging their duties as they had been taught by the NYSC and only wanted to do their best in ensuring the objectives for the collaboration of INEC with NYSC are fully realised.

She thanked the NYSC for the system that recognises and rewards outstanding Corps Members and also thanked INEC for recommending them for the award.

The awardees are:
1. Obioma Goodness Udochi OS/21C/3366
Serving at Crystalline Montessori Academy, Osogbo LGA
2. Oyeleke Olamide OS/22A/0169 serving at Ede North LGA
3. Okolie Ogechukwu OS/21C/1015 serving at Ife Central LGA
4. Ogundele Raphael Kehinde OS/21C/1513 serving in Ilesa East LGA
5. Aniebonam Amanda OS/22A/0217 serving with OAU Health Centre, Ife Central LGA
6. Akinbuyide Saanu Jumoke OS/21C/3899 serving Betgad Group of School, Ilesa West LGA.
7. Dairo Oluwatosin OS/21C/4420 serving with Irewole LGA
8. Olowojaiye Junior Confidence OS/21C/0157 serving with United Baptist College, Ejigbo
9. Jackson Good news Chukwunyene OS/21C/0250 serving with Odùduwà High School, Ife Central LGA
10. Oladimeji Hammed Opeyemi OS/21B/6491 serving at Ife South West LCDA in Ife South LGA.

Commendation letters by the State Coordinator were given to the awardee, while those still serving had theirs retrieved at the end of the ceremony to be given to them at the end of their service year. The Awardees were equally given commendation letters and cash gifts from the INEC.

The Ceremony had in attendance top management staff of NYSC and INEC Osun State.