By Stephen Adeleye.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Kogi State, has bid farewell to its State Coordinator, Mr Femi Oshungbohun, who retired from active service after 33 years.
At a send-off ceremony on Tuesday in Lokoja, Oshungbohun formally handed over the reins to Mrs. Chika Touchi Chris-Moneke, who assumes office as the new State Coordinator.
Oshungbohun, who joined the NYSC in 1992, is retiring at the mandatory civil service age of 60.
Reflecting on his career, Oshungbohun said he was filled with joy to be alive and well today.
“I started this journey in 1992 and here I am, finishing the race healthy and without regret.
“There is no greater honour from the Almighty than that,” he said.
While admitting that his journey had its share of ups and downs, the outgoing coordinator maintained that “the ups were many and far weightier than the downs.”
He described his exit as gracious and devoid of regrets, adding that his greatest legacy would be corps members who “go out there and add value to society.”
He commended Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo for supporting the scheme and urged corps members to prioritise service over convenience.
He charged corps members to place service above comfort and think more of service than of convenience.
“Nothing good comes easy. The foundation we enjoy today was laid by those before us. We must also lay a foundation for coming generations.”
He thanked the NYSC staff for their support and cooperation, and urged continued mentorship of corps members “so that Nigeria, at the end of the day, will be better for all of us.”
On the transition, Oshungbohun said Mrs Chris-Moneke had already begun work and was ready to “hit the ground running.”
He expressed confidence in her leadership, saying “With her experience, it is just a question of deploying maturity and discretion to manage the affairs of the secretariat. You are in very safe hands.”
In her remarks, the new Coordinator, Mrs Touchi Chika Chris-Moneke, thanked the NYSC Kogi family for the warm reception and praised staff for their support to her predecessor.
“Together, we will build NYSC Kogi State and Nigeria in general. We will continue to prioritize corps and staff welfare, and key into new programs to improve both,” she assured.
She commended the staff and management as “hardworking, committed, and dedicated” and appealed for the same cooperation given to past coordinators.
Mrs Chris-Moneke also called for sustained collaboration with the Kogi State Government, stressing that continued support is vital for the Scheme to achieve its mandate.
The ceremony attracted goodwill messages from government officials, security agencies, and partner organizations.
Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Kogi, Hon. Monday Anyebe, described Oshungbohun as “an always joyful man” who made great impact in the state.
He urged him to sustain his vigour in service to humanity.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Yahaya Farouq, thanked God for the grace upon Oshungbohun’s life and commended his willingness to serve Kogi State and Nigeria.
Farouq assured the new Coordinator of the full support of the state government and the people.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, represented by Deputy Commandant Abdullahi Bello, alongside representatives from the Federal Road Safety Corps, NESREA, and other stakeholders.
Management and staff of NYSC Kogi eulogized Oshungbohun for his passion, humility, and open-door policy, describing him as “not just a boss but a friend and brother.”
They pledged unwavering support to Mrs Chris-Moneke to enable her succeed and take NYSC Kogi to greater heights.
The event featured the cutting of cake and presentation of gifts to the celebrant.
