Sanwo-Olu Urges 4,335 Corps Members to Leverage Lagos Opportunities

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Honourable Mobolaji Ogunlende, has urged the 2024 Batch C Stream 1 corps members to stay active, listen to their camp directors, and take advantage of the opportunity to network with fellow youth cllorps members from all over Nigeria.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch C Stream 1 at the Lagos Orientation Camp Iyana-Ipaja, Ogunlende emphasized the importance of the three-week orientation camp, saying it’s not just about the physical activities, but also an opportunity to learn new skills and values.

“The orientation camp is designed to prepare you for the next 11 months of your service year,” he said. 

“It’s an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, and develop your leadership skills.”

The Commissioner also assured the corps members of their safety, saying the Lagos State Government has made adequate arrangements to ensure their security throughout their stay in the camp.

Hon. Mobolaji also announced that the Lagos State Government has approved the construction of a new orientation camp in Agbowa, which is expected to be completed soon.

In his remarks, the commissioner encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the opportunities available in Lagos State, saying the state government is committed to supporting youth development initiatives.

About 4,335 corps members, consisting of 1,484 males and 2,851 females, were formally inducted into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme in Lagos by the chief Judge of Lagos State, Honourable Justice Kazeem Alogba represented by Honourable justice Oyindamola Adesola Ogala.

State Coordinator’s Speech and Charges on Corps Members

While presenting her speech at the ceremony, the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christiana Salmwang urged corps members to take their roles in national development seriously.

Mrs Salmwang reminded the corps members that their participation in the NYSC scheme is a noble call to serve the fatherland.

“Your call to join the vanguard of youths in the service of the fatherland is a noble one,”

“You must understand that you have a vital role to play in the development of our nation.” She added.

The state coordinator also expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s support of the NYSC scheme in Lagos. She commended the governor’s efforts towards providing a state-of-the-art permanent Orientation Camp.

“At this juncture, I wish to appreciate the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu for the various ways his administration has attended to the needs of the Scheme in the State”

“ Also, we appreciate our collaborating agencies who have been supportive to this course over time. Your importance in this aspect of our national life indeed cannot be over-emphasİzed, and we will continue to rely on you for fresher ideas especially as we are confronted with new realities daily on matters of the youths.

In her concluding remarks, Mrs Salmwang quoted John F. Kennedy, saying, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.

State Coordinator Seeks Media Partnership

The new Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, has called on the media to partner with the scheme to achieve its objectives. 

Mrs. Salmwang made the call during a media chat at her office in Iyana-Ipaja orientation camp, which took place after the swearing-in ceremony of the 2024 Batch Stream 1 corps members.

Media personalities from various media houses in Lagos attended the meeting and pledged their support to collaborate with NYSC Lagos. 

The partnership aims to promote the scheme’s activities and showcase the scheme’s contributions and corps members’ contributions to Lagos State’s development.

The partnership will also enable NYSC Lagos to disseminate information about its activities and programmes, promoting a better understanding of the scheme’s role in national development.