Lagos First Lady Charges Corps Members to Embrace Service with Dedication

Lagos State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has urged corps members to embrace their service year with dedication, patriotism, and a willingness to impact society positively.

She made this call during her visit to the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps Members at the Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Lagos, on Wednesday.

The State Coordinator, NYSC Lagos, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, welcomed the First Lady, saying, “I am most honored and delighted today to welcome the amiable, beautiful, elegant, intelligent, and ever-caring First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, to the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos State.

“ Your presence here today is a source of inspiration and motivation to these young and enthusiastic Nigerians who are here to serve their fatherland.”

The First Lady commended the corps members for their enthusiasm and commitment to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, which aims to foster national unity and development among Nigerian youth.

She highlighted her office’s initiatives, including the Boy Child Initiative and the fight against Gender-Based Violence, and called for support in the ‘War Against Drug Abuse in Lagos State’ project.

Mrs. Baderinwa explained that the orientation program has been meticulously planned to include paramilitary drills, skills acquisition, lectures, and social activities.

She highlighted the achievements of the program, including successful registration, effective participation in training programs, discipline, and enthusiasm among corps members, and the purchase of equipment for the camp.

However, she also mentioned the challenges faced, including limited chairs for corps members during lectures and other camp activities, and requested the First Lady’s support in addressing these issues. “We kindly request the First Lady to support with donation of more chairs to ensure that these patriots are comfortably seated during lectures and camp activities,” she said.

In a show of appreciation, the corps members presented a portrait to the First Lady, which was presented by two corps members, Odili Emeka (LA/24B/3681) and Ozondu John Patrick (LA/24B/0537).

The First Lady in turn donated two big fat cows to the corps members.

The event also featured entertainment performances by the Aremo dance group, Martial art, Man o war, Squad silent drill by the Military, and Bata dance from Platoon 5.

The First Lady’s visit is seen as a proof to the importance the state places on youth development and national service.

The corps members were inspired by her words, and the orientation course is expected to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their service year.