Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has pledged to reward corps members who distinguish themselves during their national service year, urging them to make a lasting impact in the communities where they will be deployed.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the 2025 Batch A, Stream 1 corps members at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, the governor, represented by Mr. Ibukun Dosunmu, Director, General Services, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, encouraged the new intakes to embrace selfless service.
“I want to urge you to make an enduring difference in your community while in service. As you all know, no good deed goes unrewarded. If no king in this earth sees your good deeds, posterity will not forget you,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor affirmed that the Lagos State Government would continue to recognize and reward outstanding corps members, noting that their contributions align with the state’s development blueprint.
“Meanwhile, as always, the Lagos State Government will reward corps members who distinguish themselves in service,” he said.
He further urged the corps members to embrace the ideals of the NYSC and contribute meaningfully to the implementation of the state’s T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda, which stands for Transportation and Traffic Management; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century Megacity; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance.
“Take all aspects of the orientation course important and ensure that you imbibe the values of the scheme in the process. I want to assure you that security of lives and properties of all citizens including all corps members in our dear State remains the topmost priority of this government,” the governor assured.
Administering the oath of allegiance, Hon. Justice Mosumola Balogun, who represented the Chief Judge of Lagos State, officially swore in the new corps members.
The NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, disclosed that a total of 2,909 prospective corps members — 1,528 males and 1,381 females — had so far been registered and accommodated at the camp.
She noted that pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those with serious health conditions had been excused from strenuous activities and granted occasional leave from the camp.
Salmwang urged the corps members to fully commit to camp activities and internalize the core values of the NYSC.
“The orientation course marks a significant phase in your lives, as you will be exposed to lectures on key subjects: Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development training, advocacy training, physical exercise, paramilitary training, games/sports and social activities,” she said.
“I, therefore, urge you to quickly key into the core values of the scheme aimed at preparing you for leadership positions that will make you role models for upcoming youths. You should therefore be committed to all camp activities, rules and regulations.”
She expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for the NYSC in Lagos, especially for providing a site for the construction of a permanent orientation camp in Ikorodu.
“I commend you, sir, for the love you have always demonstrated towards the scheme, especially in the provision of a site for the construction of a befitting permanent orientation camp at Ikorodu. May God Almighty continue to strengthen you, sir,” she added.
Salmwang also thanked the NYSC Governing Board, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, and other collaborating agencies for ensuring the smooth commencement of the orientation exercise.
