Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to measure their service year by the impact they make on others.
The Governor represented by Hon, Commissioner for Youth, and Social Development, Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende spoke on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
“Remember, the true measure of your Service Year will not be determined solely by where you serve, but by the lives you touch, the responsibilities you discharge and the positive difference you make,” he said.
He added: “Your orientation may be ending, but your opportunity to serve has only just begun. Make it count.”
Sanwo-Olu congratulated the corps members on completing the three-week programme and commended their discipline, cooperation and good conduct, which he said ensured a peaceful and hitch-free exercise.
He urged them to see their postings “not merely as an obligation, but as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the development of Lagos State and our nation.”
The Governor said the impact of their service could be felt in classrooms, hospitals, farms and communities, adding that opportunities abound in education, healthcare, environmental sanitation, agriculture and social services.
He admitted that service “may not always produce immediate recognition or material rewards,” but said the experience and values gained would remain valuable throughout their lives.
According to him, the Lagos State Government remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence and will continue to acknowledge corps members who distinguish themselves through exemplary service.
“However, whether or not your efforts receive immediate recognition, remain committed to doing what is right. Let your character, competence and dedication distinguish you wherever you find yourselves,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the corps members for participating in the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme and urged them to take full advantage of it.
“In a changing economy where unemployment remains a significant challenge, skills development and entrepreneurship offer important pathways to self-reliance, wealth creation and job creation,” he said.
He charged them to uphold discipline, integrity, respect and personal responsibility and to be worthy ambassadors of the NYSC.
“Let your contributions demonstrate that young Nigerians are not merely the leaders of tomorrow, but also active partners in building the Nigeria we desire today,” he added.
In her address, the NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, thanked the Governor for his support of the scheme, particularly his intervention in the renovation of the temporary orientation camp at Iyana-Ipaja.
She said the renovation had significantly improved facilities for corps members and camp officials.
Mrs Salmwang also commended the ongoing construction of the permanent orientation camp at Agbowa, Ikorodu, describing it as “a significant investment in youth development, the welfare of corps members and the future of the Scheme in Lagos State.”
She said that during the three weeks, the corps members took part in paramilitary drills, martial arts, Man ‘O’ War drills, language and security lectures, SAED training, motivational lectures, social activities and inter-platoon competitions.
The Coordinator warned that misconduct and breaches of the NYSC bye-laws attract appropriate sanctions.
On safety, she advised the corps members to avoid unauthorised journeys and night travel, and to obtain approval whenever travel is unavoidable.
“Your well-being remains a priority,” she said.
She also urged them to rise above ethnic, religious and cultural differences and to respect the customs of their host communities.
Mrs Salmwang thanked corporate partners, security agencies, medical teams, camp officials, instructors, volunteers and the press for their roles in the success of the orientation course.
Sanwo-Olu later declared the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Stream I Orientation Course in Lagos State officially closed.
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