The Oguta Community in Oguta LGA of Imo State, on Friday, organised a reception in honour of its prominent son and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche.

The event was organised to celebrate Nwakuche’s “exemplary leadership qualities” and appointment as controller-general.

The ceremony, held at the Oguta Lake Waterfront, had the theme “Honour, Service and Cultural Heritage.

In a speech, Mr Nwakuche expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

He said that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president was yielding positive fruit within the Nigerian Correctional Service.

The controller-general credited his success to his root.

“My appointment is a proof of what is possible when a community nurtures integrity and hard work,” he said.

He thanked the Interior Minister, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his mentorship and also praised Governor Hope Uzodimma for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the development of the state.

Addressing the youths, Mr Nwakuche urged them to remain disciplined and focused.

He stated, “No matter the challenges, excellence, patience, and integrity will always find their reward.”

He further called for peace in the community.

In a remark, the Chairman, Oguta LGA, Ifeanyi Nnani, congratulated Mr Nwakuche on his appointment, attributing the feat to his dedication and hard work in service to the nation.

Mr Nnani also thanked Mr Tinubu for considering him worthy to steer the ship of the NCoS.

He promised the LGA’s readiness to reciprocate the president’s kind gesture by supporting his re-election bid in 2027.

He highlighted the contribution of Oguta Community to the country’s socio-economic development, and cited Oguta sons and daughters, who had served the nation in different capacities.

He urged the community to embrace peace as “the only ingredient that guarantees meaningful and sustainable development.”

In an address of welcome, the President-General of Oguta Community Development Union, Faith Iwuorisha, said Mr Nwakuche’s recognition stemmed from his selfless and impactful services to the community.

Mr Iwuorisha described the NCoS chief as one of the very few in the community, who had helped Oguta, especially in youth employment.

“It will be difficult to count how many people that have benefitted from his employment support in Oguta community.

“This has helped to reduce youth frustration, restiveness, criminality, cultism, violence, militancy and social vices,” he said.

Highlights of the ceremony included a boat regatta, Kayak races on Oguta lake, masquerade displays and other cultural performances.

The community also presented a certificate and plaque to Mr Nwakuche during the event that had some serving, retired controllers, traditional rulers, and the clergy, among other dignitaries, in attendance.

(NAN)