“Live the Oath—Don’t Just Recite It,” – Sanwo-Olu Urges Lagos Corps Members

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has delivered a powerful charge to the 2025 Batch A Stream 11 newly inducted members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), urging them to go beyond mere recitation of the Oath of Allegiance and fully embody the principles of national unity, discipline, and service.

Speaking at the official Swearing-In Ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Governor Sanwo-Olu represented by Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende called on the youth to live out the values of the oath they had just taken.

“Do not pay lip service to the words of the Oath of Allegiance,” the governor warned. “Live it. Uphold it. Contribute to it. Be active participants in realizing the vision of Nigeria’s founding fathers.”

The governor emphasized the vital role of young people in the nation’s development and reminded corps members that the NYSC was not just a rite of passage, but an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of service in their host communities. He challenged them to emulate and even surpass the selfless contributions of their predecessors.

“2025 is not too far gone for you to start making a difference,” he said. “Be deliberate about your journey and let your service year mark the beginning of something meaningful.”

Describing the orientation course as the foundation for a year of service, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged corps members to embrace discipline, endure the initial challenges of camp life, and seize every moment for growth and learning. He also expressed appreciation for the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator and her team for the smooth commencement of the program.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government’s support for the NYSC, Sanwo-Olu pointed to the construction of a new permanent Orientation Camp in Ikorodu as a concrete sign of his administration’s continued investment in youth development.

Sanwo-Olu acknowledged the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba—represented by Justice Mathias Dawodu—who administered the Oath of Allegiance.

In declaring the orientation program officially open, the governor welcomed corps members to Lagos—the “Centre of Excellence”—and wished them a productive and enriching service year.

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. C.N. Salmwang, delivered a warm and inspiring welcome address, officially marking the commencement of the 2025 Batch A Stream II Orientation Programme.

Congratulating the corps members on the successful completion of their academic programs, she urged them to embrace the NYSC scheme as a springboard for national development and personal transformation.

“On behalf of the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General OO. Nafiu, and the entire NYSC family, I extend our heartfelt welcome to all of you,” she said

She revealed that as of 11:00 p.m. on June 12, a total of 7,086 corps members had been registered and accommodated at the camp, including 2,891 males and 4,195 females. These figures include corps members originally posted to Lagos and others dislodged from Ekiti, Ondo, Kwara, and Osun states.

In line with NYSC policies, she noted that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with serious health challenges had been granted permission to leave the camp.

Mrs. Salmwang commended the corps members for adapting quickly and enthusiastically to the rigors of camp life. “Their zeal and cooperation are commendable and serve as a positive sign for a successful orientation experience,” she said.

She outlined the orientation course’s key activities, including lectures on civic responsibilities, national integration, leadership development, paramilitary drills, sporting competitions, and the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. She urged the participants to approach each activity with discipline and patriotism.

Highlighting the Lagos State Government’s unwavering support, she expressed gratitude for the ongoing renovations at the temporary camp in Iyana-Ipaja and applauded the modern facilities being constructed at the new permanent camp site in Agbowa, Ikorodu.

Salmwang also thanked the NYSC Governing Board, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, and various security and emergency response agencies—including the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, Red Cross, NSCDC, NDLEA, and Fire Service—for ensuring a safe and organized orientation.

She wished the corps members a memorable and impactful camp experience.