By Fatima Saka
Lagos, Nigeria – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to play active roles in driving Nigeria’s transformation during their service year.
The governor gave the charge on Friday at the opening and swearing-in ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Sanwo-Olu urged the corps members to embrace patriotism, entrepreneurship and leadership as key values throughout their service.
He described the NYSC scheme as a vital platform for fostering national unity, integration and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse population.
“Your service year provides a unique opportunity to build bridges across cultural divides, demonstrate patriotism, develop leadership skills and make meaningful contributions toward the growth and transformation of Nigeria,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu further encouraged the corps members to take full advantage of the orientation programme, noting that its regimented activities were essential in instilling discipline, integrity, teamwork and perseverance.
He also urged them to actively participate in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, sports and other camp engagements to promote self-reliance, wealth creation and financial independence beyond the service year.
The governor stressed the need for corps members to remain law-abiding and uphold the ideals of the NYSC, describing them as ambassadors of the nation.
Earlier, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, disclosed that 3,281 corps members, comprising 1,379 males and 1,902 females, had successfully registered for the orientation exercise.
She added that the corps members were part of the 8,403 deployed to Lagos and neighbouring states, while 5,122 were dislodged to camps in Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, Edo and Kwara States.
Salmwang explained that the orientation course was designed to instil patriotism, promote peaceful coexistence and strengthen national unity for sustainable development.
She urged corps members to serve with dedication, integrity, creativity and resilience, while also prioritising their safety by avoiding unauthorised travel and night journeys.
Speaking on the sidelines, Ogunlende, who also serves as Chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Lagos State, described the service year as a period of sacrifice and commitment.
He revealed that the ongoing construction of a permanent NYSC Orientation Camp in Agbowa, Ikorodu, with a capacity of 10,000 corps members, remains one of the legacy projects of the Sanwo-Olu administration.
READ ALSO: Police Declare Journalist Fejiro Oliver Wanted Over Allege Cyberstalking, Defamation
FG Courts Global Investors for Nigeria NOW! Expo 2026 to Drive Economic Growth
Ogunlende, who appeared in a Nigerian Red Cross uniform, said his attire was meant to encourage young Nigerians to embrace volunteerism and community service.
The oath of allegiance was administered by Justice Ahmed Lawal, representing the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, formally inducting the corps members into national service.
About The Author
