…Princess Azura Hails Igwe Anne and Akase Patience as Role Models of Selfless Service, Commends President Tinubu for Recognising Excellence
The National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria has celebrated two exceptional female corps members, Igwe Anne Chikaodi and Akase Patience Nguwasen, whose remarkable contributions during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year earned them automatic employment into the Federal Civil Service and full academic scholarships from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
The colourful event, which took place at the NCWS National Secretariat, Abuja, formed part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. It highlighted the importance of empowering young women through education, leadership, innovation, and service to humanity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier honoured 210 outstanding corps members across the country with automatic appointments and full scholarships for their exceptional community service, among them were Igwe Anne Chikaodi and Akase Patience Nguwasen, who
visited the NCWS headquarters where they were celebrated as part of the commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.
Speaking at the event, the National President of NCWS, Princess Edna D.D. Azura (Kwatam Mutaku), described Anne and Patience as “true ambassadors of the Nigerian girl child whose courage, compassion, and creativity exemplify the values the NCWS upholds.”
Princess Azura also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognising and rewarding excellence among Nigerian youths, particularly young women who demonstrate integrity and patriotism through service. She noted that the President’s gesture of offering employment and full scholarships was “a powerful statement of encouragement that will inspire millions of young girls across Nigeria to believe in the value of hard work and selfless service.”
The NCWS President reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to mentoring and supporting young women across the country, adding that Anne and Patience’s achievements “have set a new standard of excellence for the Nigerian girl child.”
During their NYSC year, Igwe Anne Chikaodi, from Anambra State, served in Sokoto State, where she mobilised resources to construct classroom furniture, repair school facilities, and organise health and menstrual hygiene campaigns for female students in rural schools.
Similarly, Akase Patience Nguwasen, from Benue State, who served in Gombe State, carried out several life-changing community projects, including the construction of toilets and a library, vocational training for students, and education advocacy for parents. Her impact earned her the traditional title “Taruwan Limbi Daban Fulani” meaning “Star of Education.”
Their extraordinary commitment and community impact drew national attention, culminating in President Tinubu’s recognition and reward for their innovation, leadership, and patriotism.
Princess Azura commended their dedication, saying, “These young women have proved that the Nigerian girl child can be a change agent when given the right support and opportunity. Their work mirrors the NCWS commitment to empowering women for national development.”
She urged other young women to emulate their example, stating, “Anne and Patience have shown that when women are given opportunities, they become nation builders. Their stories remind us that service, not position, defines leadership.”
For Anne and Patience, the journey of service is only beginning, and their stories now stand as shining proof that selfless dedication can turn ordinary service into an extraordinary legacy.