The Lagos State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the long-abandoned National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent secretariat in Yaba, bringing an end to over 40 years of uncertainty surrounding the project.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Tuesday, marks a renewed commitment by the state to restore a key institutional facility critical to youth service administration.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the project as a historic milestone in preserving the legacy of the NYSC in Lagos.
“This restoration is historic. Preserving this monument will remind future generations that our administration recovered the NYSC secretariat and secured an enduring legacy for Lagos youths,” Ogunlende said.
He also urged the NYSC to preserve the historic statue located on the site, noting that it symbolizes continuity, institutional memory, and the government’s commitment to protecting heritage.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyitolu, expressed confidence that the project would significantly strengthen youth service administration in the state.
She added that the completed secretariat would rank among the best in the country, reflecting Lagos State’s dedication to youth development, improved service delivery, and sustainable institutional growth.
Also speaking, the Southwest Area Officer of the NYSC, Mrs. Grace Elabor, commended the Lagos State Government for its sustained support and expressed optimism that the project would fulfill its intended purpose upon completion.
Earlier, the Lagos State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, said the reconstruction would restore the scheme’s history and renew hope among staff and corps members.
Providing a background on the site, Salmwang explained that the property at No. 1 Industrial Avenue, Yaba, was originally built in the early 1980s and served as the NYSC’s operational headquarters in Lagos for several years.
She noted that prolonged occupation of a temporary office in Surulere had exposed the scheme to challenges such as flooding, vandalism, and loss of records, thereby affecting service delivery.
Salmwang commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for initiating the project and appealed to corporate organisations, development partners, alumni, and other stakeholders to support its timely completion.
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Similarly, Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Social Development, Mr. Orekoya Abimbola, called for accelerated efforts to complete the project.
“My passionate appeal to stakeholders is that this project should be completed promptly, with support from government and corporate organisations, to provide a befitting office for NYSC staff and leadership,” he said.
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