…as recipient pledges to impact more lives
The Northern Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has given an award of excellence to Usman Sali Bodes, a retired commodore and chief executive officer of Zarewa Aluminum & Plastics Ltd, in recognition of his “undying passion toward education, youth empowerment, and societal transformation.”
Speaking at the event held in Kaduna State, Yusuf Amoke, vice president administration, of the group said the organization found Commodore Bodes worthy and deserving of the honour.
According to Amoke, the award is for a person who has served humanity and who has through his resources touched other people’s lives in positive ways.
“The award is more of encouragement for him to do more. It is purely on merit. So many people were nominated before he was picked. Our delegates came from Benue, Kwara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and other northern states. We looked at the businesses the individual has done or is doing; how such ventures have positively impacted the lives of people. We look at his contributions to society, etc. It is not an award that is bought with money; it is purely on merit,” Amoke said.
In his remarks, while receiving the award, Bodes, who also is the Adamawa State Focal Person for the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programme, said the recognition was a challenge to him, adding that the group took him by surprise.
“What the award means to me is that whatever you are doing in life, do it very well because there are people watching you. I never knew some people were watching all that I have been doing. They took me by surprise. I know I have been able to do one or two things to assist my people. The group said the award is for my moderate contributions to the development of my community and the youth. While in the service, I worked unblemished and rose to the rank of a One Star General. I established institutions that today employ a number of people. I thank the group for the recognition,” Commodore Bodes said.
Speaking with BDSUNDAY on the social investment program of the Federal Government, Bodes said it was introduced to empower the youth, women and other vulnerable groups in society.
He also explained that the program was centered on two categories.
According to him, there is the teacher’s volunteer corps, which focuses primarily on education; the Agricultural extension, public health, and community education as well as training and knowledge empowerment.
Commodore Bodes further explained that the program also includes the school feeding program aimed at increasing enrolment in public schools and to encourage local farmers to produce food to feed pupils in schools which will, in turn, empower the farmers, economically.
