By Fatima Saka
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to become innovative, resourceful and solution-driven agents of development, urging them to leave every community where they serve better than they met it.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge 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 urged the corps members to carry the discipline, patriotism, resilience and spirit of service acquired during the orientation course into their Places of Primary Assignment (PPAs), stressing that Nigeria needs the creativity, courage and commitment of young people to build a better future.
“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.
He challenged the corps members to move beyond merely complaining about societal challenges and instead see problems as opportunities to make meaningful contributions to national development.
“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 also encouraged the corps members to take advantage of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire practical skills and explore enterprise opportunities that could promote self-reliance beyond the service year.
The governor assured the corps members of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to working with NYSC authorities and security agencies to ensure their safety and welfare throughout their service year.
According to him, corps members should strive to make their service impactful and leave a positive legacy in every community where they are deployed.
“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,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyitolu.
Earlier, the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, urged the corps members to uphold discipline, patriotism and integrity as they commence the next phase of their national service.
Salmwang advised them to accept their postings with humility and patriotism, settle down promptly at their Places of Primary Assignment and serve with dedication, commitment, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.
“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.
The state coordinator also cautioned the corps members against indiscipline, unauthorised and night journeys, urging them to remain vigilant, protect their personal information and seek appropriate permission whenever travel becomes unavoidable.
“Remain vigilant at all times, avoid unauthorised and night journeys, protect your personal information, and seek appropriate permission whenever travel becomes unavoidable during your service year,” she added.
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Salmwang appreciated the Lagos State Government, residents, partners, collaborating agencies, NYSC officials and members of the media for their support toward the successful completion of the orientation course.
The charge sets a clear agenda for the newly deployed corps members: to turn their service year into a period of measurable contributions, community development and personal growth, while embracing opportunities for entrepreneurship and national service.
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