Dr. Olivia Ayozie, a youth corps member, on Wednesday donated 20 units of three-seater desks to Community Secondary School, Opolo in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as part of her community development efforts.

Staff and students of the school suspended classes for about one hour for the brief presentation ceremony attended by officials of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Bayelsa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bayelsa Coordinator of NYSC, Mr Ekeocha Anthony, noted that community development was part of the things expected of corps members in their areas of assignment.

Anthony, who was represented by Mrs. Christy Harry, Deputy Director, NYSC in Bayelsa in charge of Community Development, extolled the corps member for her exemplary selfless service beyond the expectations.

According to Harry, Dr Olivia Ayozie had embarked on five different community development projects within her service year in the state.

The NYSC official explained that Ayozie had donated drugs to the NYSC camp, conducted free medical service to a community in Yenagoa, free HIV/AIDS screening and empowerment scheme for Widows and the elderly.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Mathias Banigo, Principal of the school, said that the gesture would alleviate the sufferings of the students and expressed appreciation to the corps member.

According to him, “What is outstanding about this youth corper is that she is not even serving with us, she is a medical doctor serving with the Joint Task Force Clinic, but she came to me and told me of her intentions to donate the chairs, I was very happy. She is a blessing to us in this school, and to Bayelsa as a whole, what she did will outlive her service year and will be remembered for years to come, others should emulate her.”

Addressing the students Ayozie urged them to take their studies seriously as the donation was meant to make the study environment conducive.

“This donation is meant to encourage you to work harder, I became a medical doctor because I took my studies seriously at your stage, if you study, you will achieve your career dreams,” Ayozie said.

•Photo shows Dr Olivia Ayozie, youth corps member who donated school chairs to 60 students of Community Secondary School Opollo, Yenagoa, addressing the students at the presentation ceremony on Wednesday.