Lagos Government Applauded for Strong Support to NYSC as Over 7,000 Corps Members Begin Orientation

NYSC has hailed Lagos State for improving corps members’ welfare through ongoing camp upgrades and housing support.

At the swearing-in of over 7,000 youths, officials urged patriotism, hard work, and responsible community service.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended the Lagos State Government, particularly Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the unwavering support extended to the scheme, especially in creating a conducive environment for corps members serving in the state.

This appreciation was expressed by the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang, during the swearing-in ceremony of 7,086 corps members posted to Lagos under the 2025 Batch ‘A’, Stream 2. The event, which took place over the weekend, marked the beginning of the corps members’ mandatory orientation program in the state.

Mrs. Salmwang praised the Lagos State Government for what she described as its “immense and commendable” backing for the NYSC. She highlighted the ongoing renovation of the temporary orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja and the advanced construction work at the permanent site in Agbowa, Ikorodu, as clear indicators of the state’s dedication to the welfare of corps members.

According to her, the temporary camp is currently undergoing major renovations funded by the state government. These include upgrades to hostel and hall facilities, roof repairs, repainting, replacement of water tanks, and plumbing work. She emphasized that the facelift has significantly improved living and working conditions for corps members undergoing orientation.

Salmwang also shared promising news about the long-awaited permanent orientation camp in Agbowa. “We recently visited the site for an inspection and were pleased to see that construction is nearing completion,” she noted. “Once fully completed, this camp will solve the persistent accommodation problems that have affected the NYSC in Lagos over the years.”

Due to these challenges, she explained, the NYSC had to temporarily post some corps members to neighboring states such as Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, and Kwara for the initial three-week orientation course before redeploying them to Lagos for their primary assignments.

Speaking directly to the new corps members, Salmwang urged them to embrace core values such as patriotism, discipline, integrity, and hard work not just during their service year but as lifelong principles. She encouraged them to take full advantage of the orientation activities, which include lectures, skill acquisition programs, sporting events, and environmental sanitation exercises.

“You are expected to be active participants and not mere observers,” she told the corps members. “Remain security conscious, stay healthy, and make sure you maintain cleanliness around you. Most importantly, wherever you are posted for your primary assignment, strive to be good ambassadors of the NYSC.”

In his message to the corps members, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, urged them to take the orientation program seriously. He emphasized that the program was carefully designed to prepare them not only for the service year but also for life after NYSC.

He reminded the young participants of the scheme’s vital role in promoting unity, national integration, and economic development. “The NYSC remains a symbol of hope and strength for this country,” he said. “You have a part to play use this opportunity to contribute positively to the growth and progress of Lagos and Nigeria.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also assured the corps members of the hospitality of Lagosians but cautioned them to respect local laws and traditions while serving in the state.

The ceremony reached its climax with the formal administration of the oath of allegiance by the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba, who was represented by Justice Mathias Dawodu.

With the continued infrastructural investments and active involvement of the Lagos State Government, the NYSC in Lagos is on a steady path to offering better support and impactful service experiences to the thousands of young Nigerians who pass through the scheme each year.