Shukurat Temitope Ibrahim, a corps member who served in Gombe State, has been honoured with the State Honours Award Certificate for Best Female Corps Member in Community Development Service (CDS), following her remarkable commitment to girl-child education and grassroots impact during her service year.
Originally from Kwara State, Shukurat arrived in Gombe as a complete stranger. But with vision, empathy, and a heart determined to leave a mark, she rose to become one of the most impactful corps members in her batch. Her personal CDS project, themed “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders in North-East Nigeria Through Education,” brought hope to students in underserved communities and redefined the essence of youth service.
Through community engagement, advocacy, and direct intervention, Shukurat championed education for out-of-school children, especially girls, and helped families understand the value of keeping their children, especially the girl child in school. From helping vulnerable students return to classrooms, to pushing for better sanitary conditions in schools, her project addressed urgent needs with long-lasting solutions. One of the most impactful moments came when the Gombe State Community and Social Development Agency responded to her advocacy efforts by constructing and renovating sixteen toilet facilities in the community, an initiative that spoke to her influence beyond her immediate project.
She was not alone in this journey. With the support of passionate teammates and volunteers, she pushed boundaries and inspired change across communities that many had forgotten. Their collective efforts gave children a chance at a better life and left an imprint of possibility in the hearts of many.
Speaking after receiving the award, Shukurat expressed deep gratitude to her team and supporters, saying the recognition was not hers alone but a reflection of shared sacrifice and belief in a better future. She emphasized that her story is proof that women can lead, build, and change the world and that achievements are not gender-bound.
Her journey remains a powerful reminder that no place is too far, no dream is too big, and no one is too small to make a difference. From arriving as a total stranger to leaving as a symbol of hope, Shukurat’s NYSC story is one that will continue to inspire young Nigerians for years to come.
