By ‘Kayode Awojobi.
In a grand and well-coordinated ceremony held earlier today at the Banquet Hall of the Aso Villa in Abuja, Gladys Ayokunmi Ayorinde, a proud daughter of Okeho, Oyo State, was among the 210 outstanding recipients honored with the prestigious President’s NYSC Honours Award.
The award was presented to her and other recepients by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. President Tinubu who was unavoidably absent but was represented by honourable minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande.
The recognition celebrates her exceptional personal community development service during her national youth service year in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Ayorinde, a graduate of Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan, served her country with distinction. She demonstrated unwavering commitment by renovating dilapidated classrooms at the school where she was posted, significantly enhancing the learning environment for both students and teachers.
Ayorinde served in Batch C, Stream II, 2023, with Sango Senior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin, as her place of primary assignment. During her service year, she realized another way of utilizing communication as a catalyst for social change, particularly in education. Moved by the students’ resilience to learn even in unconducive classrooms, she initiated and spearheaded a Community Development Service (CDS) project to renovate two severely dilapidated classrooms, including installing the interior and exterior of the two classrooms; procuring and installing new doors and windows; installing a new demarcation between the classrooms; painting the interior and exterior of the two classrooms; and procuring two wall-mounted magnetic whiteboards, thereby creating a safer and more conducive learning environment for over 200 students.
According to the Victoria Comprehensive College Okeho (VICCO) Alumnus, this accomplishment was achieved through successful fundraising from like-minded individuals within and outside the country, while appreciating them for the enormous support given to her.
Ayokunmi’s efforts not only improved infrastructure but also inspired hope and motivation among students and staff alike, earning her national recognition and applause.
