Lagos: The Lagos State Government has charged corps members deployed to the state to embrace entrepreneurship, civic responsibility, and national service as pathways toward self-reliance, economic growth, and development. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Monday at the swearing-in ceremony of 9,960 corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, held at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja. The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sanwo-Olu stated that corps members play a critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic values and advancing national development through responsible citizenship and active participation in nation-building. He emphasized the importance of young Nigerians in sustaining democratic ideals through active citizenship, civic responsibility, and a commitment to national development. The recent Democracy Day celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by patriots who tirelessly struggled for democratic governance and national advancement.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted that the annual Democracy Day event reinforced the ideals of patriotism, responsible citizenship, justice, inclusion, and national unity. Reflecting on the 53rd anniversary of the NYSC scheme, he noted that corps members have consistently made meaningful contributions across various sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and community service. He acknowledged the enduring legacies left by the dedication and sacrifices of generations of corps members.
Identifying unemployment and economic uncertainty as persistent challenges, Sanwo-Olu urged the corps members to acquire practical skills to enhance self-reliance, wealth creation, and sustainable livelihoods. He encouraged participation in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme to gain knowledge, competencies, and an entrepreneurial mindset for future economic success.
In his remarks, Ogunlende, also the Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Lagos, acknowledged the accommodation challenges arising from the deployment of a large number of corps members and the limited capacity of the orientation camp. He expressed optimism about the completion of an orientation camp under construction at Agbowa, Ikorodu, which is expected to improve accommodation and welfare for corps members. The contractors have assured that the facility will be completed before the year-end, providing future corps members with a more comfortable environment for service.
Earlier, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, the state Coordinator of NYSC, disclosed that 9,960 corps members, comprising 3,818 males and 6,142 females, were formally inducted into the scheme. Salmwang revealed that 3,938 corps members would participate in the orientation course in Lagos, while 6,022 were relocated to neighboring states due to the camp’s limited capacity. She emphasized national service as both a privilege and a responsibility and urged corps members to fully utilize the orientation course to prepare physically, mentally, and socially for national service. Salmwang also stressed the importance of personal safety and warned against unauthorized and night journeys, assuring that the welfare and security of corps members would remain top priorities.