The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kogi State has entered a new phase following the retirement of state coordinator Femi Oshungbohun after 33 years of service.

He handed over to Chika Touchi Chris-Moneke at a send-off held on Tuesday in Lokoja, marking the close of a long career.

Mr Oshungbohun, who joined the scheme in 1992, retired upon attaining the mandatory civil service age of 60.

Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for completing his tenure in good health and without regrets.

“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,” Mr Oshungbohun added.

He described his career as marked by ups and downs, insisting that “the ups were many and far weightier than the downs.”

The outgoing coordinator described his exit as gracious, noting that his greatest legacy would be corps members who “go out there and add value to society.”

He commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for supporting the scheme and urged corps members to prioritise service over convenience.

Mr Oshungbohun thanked the staff for their cooperation during his tenure and urged them to extend the same support to the new coordinator.

He also called for sustained mentorship of corps members, saying Nigeria would benefit from their development.

The new coordinator, Mrs Chris-Moneke, thanked thrle staff for their warm reception and loyalty to her predecessor.

“Together, we will build NYSC Kogi and Nigeria in general,” she said.

She pledged to prioritise the welfare of corps members and the staff while adopting programmes to improve service delivery.

Mrs Chris-Moneke appealed for continued cooperation and strengthened collaboration with the Kogi State government.

The event attracted goodwill messages from government officials, security agencies and partner organisations.

The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Monday Anyebe, described Mr Oshungbohun as “an always joyful man” who made a great impact.

Mr Anyebe urged him to sustain his service to humanity and assured the new coordinator of government support.

Also present were the state Commissioner for Water Resources Yahaya Farouq and representatives of security and regulatory agencies.

The staff of NYSC Kogi Stare praised Mr Oshungbohun’s 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 ensure her success and the growth of the scheme.

The ceremony featured a cake-cutting and presentation of gifts to celebrate the retiree. 

(NAN)