LAGOS/Nigeria: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to approach their service year as an opportunity to contribute to their host communities and develop skills that can benefit them beyond the programme.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the three-week orientation course for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Toyin Oke-Osanyitolu, urged the corps members to take the values acquired during their orientation into their Places of Primary Assignment.
He said discipline, patriotism, resilience and a commitment to service should guide them as they begin the next phase of their national service.
“Government can create opportunities but young people must seize them, because Nigeria needs your ideas, courage, creativity, resilience and belief in a better future built through collective action,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor challenged the corps members to respond to challenges around them with innovative and practical solutions rather than merely complain about the difficulties confronting society.
He also encouraged them to make effective use of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire skills that could improve their prospects for employment and entrepreneurship.
“Do not merely complain about the challenges confronting our society; ask yourselves what you can do about them and become innovative, resourceful and solution-driven wherever you serve,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured the corps members that the Lagos State Government would continue to collaborate with the NYSC authorities and security agencies to safeguard their welfare and security throughout the service year.
He urged them to make a positive difference wherever they were posted, saying their contribution to their host communities should form part of the legacy they leave behind.
“When this service year is over, I want you to look back and say: I served, I contributed, I made a difference, and that is your legacy. Endeavour to leave every community better than you met it,” the governor said.
Earlier, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, urged the corps members to approach their postings with humility, patriotism and a strong sense of responsibility.
Salmwang advised them to settle into their Places of Primary Assignment promptly and discharge their duties with dedication and integrity.
“I urge you to accept your postings with humility and patriotism, settle down promptly, and serve with dedication, commitment, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to Nigeria,” she said.
She also cautioned the corps members against indiscipline and avoidable risks, particularly unauthorised and night journeys.
The coordinator urged them to remain vigilant, protect their personal information and obtain the appropriate permission whenever travel became unavoidable during the service year.
Salmwang expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government, residents, partners, collaborating agencies, NYSC officials and the media for their support towards the successful completion of the orientation course.
The corps members are expected to proceed to their respective Places of Primary Assignment for the next phase of their national service.
