The Plateau State Government has presented the sum of N2 million to Priscilla Mwuese Ukeyima, the mother of late Thomas Ukeyima, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in the state who died in an auto crash on May 29, 2025.
The tragic incident occurred while Thomas was returning from a football match in which he participated as a member of the football team in the community housing his place of primary assignment.
Thomas, a member of Batch B Stream 1 of the NYSC, who hails from Mbayion, Gboko local government area of Benue state was a graduate of Public Administration from the Rev. Father Adasu University, Makurdi, Benue State, formely Benue State University.
He was serving in Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State before his untimely death. His service was marked by dedication and community integration, according to tributes from various stakeholders.
During the cash presentation on Monday in Jos on behalf of the state government, Musa Ashoms, the Plateau State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development described the gesture as the government’s way of appreciating Thomas’ dedication to service. He stated that the money would assist the deceased’s widowed mother in taking care of her younger children.
“What the government has done is to show appreciation to the deceased corps member who was dedicated to his duty. The N2 million is to help the widow, Priscilla Ukeyima, in taking care of the younger ones”; Ashoms said.
Fortunate Ternenge Ate, the uncle of the late corps member who accompanied Priscilla to the presentation, said the family was devastated by the sudden death of Thomas. He expressed the family’s gratitude to Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang for the financial support and commended the people of Kanke for their support during the funeral.
Ezekiel Golime, the Chairman of Kanke Local Government, represented by Godwin Gompil, Secretary of the local government described the deceased as a vibrant and selfless corps member who made positive contributions to the community.
He noted that Thomas’ inclusion in the local football team showed his friendliness and community spirit.
“Thomas integrated with community members easily and was ready to teach members of the community free of charge before the unfortunate incident,” Golime said.
Yavala Jonathan Iliya, the NYSC Coordinator for Plateau State also paid tribute to Thomas, describing him as a dedicated corps member. He thanked the Plateau State Government for always supporting the NYSC scheme and for extending compassion to the bereaved family during this difficult time.
