Mrs Eke Regina Nnenna has assumed office as the 19th State Coordinator and Chief Executive of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Gombe State, following a formal leadership transition at the organisation’s state secretariat.
Eke took over from Mrs Chinwe Nnenna Nwachuku at a handover and taking-over ceremony held at the conference hall of the NYSC State Secretariat in Gombe.
The transition marks a change in leadership at the state level of the national youth service programme, which coordinates the deployment, orientation and community-based activities of corps members across Nigeria.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognise Nwachuku’s contributions to the Scheme during her 35 years of service, including more than two years as the 18th State Coordinator in Gombe.
In her valedictory remarks, the outgoing coordinator expressed appreciation to the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, for approving her request for early retirement.
Nwachuku disclosed that her retirement was initially scheduled to take effect on November 26, but the Director-General’s approval of an earlier departure had brought relief and happiness to her and her family.
“My retirement was actually meant to take effect on 26th November, and the approval of an early retirement graciously granted by the Director General is a great relief and joy for me and my family. It is an opportunity for us to be together to celebrate my beloved son who is set to mark a milestone in his life,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, members of the state executive council and residents of the state for their support and hospitality throughout her tenure.
The outgoing coordinator acknowledged the contributions of government agencies and other collaborating institutions, noting that their cooperation had supported the implementation of NYSC activities in the state.
She further appreciated members of staff for their assistance and commitment during her administration, urging them to sustain their dedication to official responsibilities and extend the same cooperation to her successor.
Nwachuku particularly appealed to the workforce to give Eke the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition and effective administration of the Scheme.
Responding, the new State Coordinator thanked her predecessor for the warm reception, saying the gesture had made her feel welcomed and comfortable despite moving into a new working environment.
Eke pledged to operate an open-door administration and encouraged staff members to demonstrate commitment, discipline and diligence in carrying out their responsibilities.
She urged employees to approach their assignments with a strong sense of responsibility, stressing that their performance should be reflected in the quality and timely delivery of their work.
“Do your work consciously and your work will speak for you,” she said.
Describing herself as a diligent person, Eke said she expected members of staff to demonstrate similar commitment by executing their duties without constant supervision or unnecessary prompting.
She emphasised the importance of accountability and timely delivery, urging employees to ensure that assigned responsibilities were completed when expected.
The new coordinator also offered prayers for Nwachuku, wishing her God’s blessings and favour as she begins a new phase of life after decades of service to the NYSC.
The event featured goodwill messages in recognition of the outgoing coordinator’s years of service, alongside prayers and expressions of support for the incoming administration.
In a vote of thanks, the representative of the staff members and Assistant Director, Corps Inspection and Monitoring, Mr Choji Moses, appreciated Nwachuku for her leadership and the experience shared with employees during her time in Gombe.
He also assured Eke of the cooperation and support of the workforce as she begins her tenure.
The ceremony concluded with the signing of the handover notes and the formal transfer of responsibilities to the new State Coordinator.
Eke’s assumption of office comes with the responsibility of sustaining the NYSC’s programmes and administrative activities in Gombe, while strengthening staff performance, corps members’ welfare and collaboration with relevant state institutions.
The transition also highlights the importance of continuity in public service administration, particularly within an organisation whose activities depend on coordination among federal and state authorities, host communities, employers and other partner institutions.
