- NYSC Coordinator lauds governor for unwavering support to scheme
By Gabriel Dike
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The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday, tasked the National Youth Service Corps members to take advantage of their posting to the state and contribute to its socio-economic and political development.
Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to restate the commitment of the state government to the scheme.
The NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Christiana Salmwang, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for the scheme and, in particular, the welfare of corps members posted to the state.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 11 orientation course, the governor advised the corps members to see wherever they are posted as an opportunity to contribute to the overall socio-economic and political development of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said the three-week orientation course was designed to acquaint the corps members with the requirements and information that will make their service year successful.
The governor advised the corps members to remain focused on their service to their fatherland.
“Strive to put in your best with the aim of leaving indelible marks in areas such as healthcare delivery, educational services, environmental beautification, sustainable development goals (SDGs), social services, agriculture, and more.
“Although this selfless commitment may not immediately yield visible rewards, it will provide you with the requisite experience to face future challenges.
“The Lagos State Government is not only youth-friendly but youth-promoting. We will, as we have always done, continue to identify excellent performance among our corps members and reward it,” the governor noted.
Sanwo-Olu urged the corps members to take seriously the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme by mastering the necessary skills that will qualify them to access loans through the various funding opportunities available.
The governor acknowledged that employment remains a major challenge in the nation and that the most effective antidote is entrepreneurship development, which will make the corps members self-reliant as well as turn them into wealth creators and employers of labour.
In her speech, NYSC State Coordinator, Christiana Salmwang, said the ceremony heralds the beginning of the corps members’ journey into the 20 local government areas of Lagos State, where they will embark on their selfless service to the nation.
She disclosed that 7,887 corps members, comprising 3,230 males and 4,657 females, completed the first phase of the NYSC four cardinal programmes.
According to her, the figure includes those dislodged to other states: 1643 in Osun, 691 in Ondo, 1116 in Kwara and 1225 in Ekiti States.
“They have demonstrated discipline, embraced the spirit of self-reliance, and shown patriotism qualities essential to delivering outstanding service during the remaining phases of the service year.”
The state coordinator explained that the orientation course was designed to equip corps members with the mental and physical preparedness needed to meet the challenges of the service year.
Salmwang noted that the orientation curriculum includes military drills, lectures on relevant topics, leadership training, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development (SAED), sporting competitions, and various social activities.
She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its unwavering support to the NYSC scheme in Lagos State, especially for providing a conducive environment for the smooth implementation of our programmes.
“We are particularly grateful for the ongoing construction of the permanent orientation camp,a testament to the state’s commitment to the growth and sustainability of the Scheme. We also thank our numerous partners and sponsors whose contributions made the SAED, sporting, and social activities in camp a great success,” she stressed.
The NYSC coordinator tasked the corps members to translate into action the clarion call to serve, whether under the sun or in the rain, noting, “you have been equipped with diverse skills, from professional training to entrepreneurship, and I urge you to apply these in improving the lives of those in your host communities.”
Salmwang urged them to strive to leave a positive and lasting impact through their Community Development Service (CDS) by leaving the host communities better than they found them.
“Let me, at this point, sound a clear note of caution on the use of social media. You are strongly advised to refrain from using the various platforms to spread falsehoods, incite the public, or make unguarded comments capable of bringing disrepute to the NYSC Scheme.
“Rather, I urge you to harness the power of social media to promote peace, national unity, and showcase the positive contributions of Nigerian youth to development and nation-building.”
She appealed to employers to treat corps members as their own children by providing them with adequate welfare and support.
“As managers of the service corps, we pledge to continue advocating for your welfare to ensure a fulfilling and impactful service year in Lagos State,” she noted.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a commendation letter to the state coordinator, Salmwang, by the Director of NYSC South West, Mrs. Francisca Olaleye. Also, outstanding staff and corps members were presented with commendation letters.
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