Sanwo-Olu Charges 6,664 Corps Members on Discipline, Service

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday urged members of the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to embrace discipline, national unity and entrepreneurship as they commence their one-year mandatory service.

The governor, Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Pharm. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Oke-Osanyintolu gave the charge at the formal opening and swearing-in ceremony of the corps members held at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Agege, Lagos.

Welcoming the corps members to what he described as Nigeria’s “industrial and commercial nerve centre,” Mr Sanwo-Olu congratulated them on the successful completion of their academic pursuits and described the orientation course as the beginning of a “noble journey of service, sacrifice and contribution to national development.”

“Lagos State is renowned for its resilience, diversity, innovation and boundless opportunities,” the governor said, noting that the state, with a population of over 20 million people, remains a place where talent thrives and hard work is rewarded.

He encouraged the corps members to feel at home and take advantage of the opportunities in the state to make meaningful and lasting contributions to society.

Mr Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed the importance of the NYSC scheme in fostering national unity and peaceful coexistence, describing it as a critical platform that brings together young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a united nation.

He urged the corps members to internalise the National Pledge and uphold the oath of allegiance they had sworn, adding that doing so would enable them to sustain and surpass the achievements of previous batches.

The governor also reminded the corps members that the orientation course, though regimented, was designed to instil discipline, skills and the right mindset needed for a successful service year and life beyond it.

“I enjoin you to participate actively in all camp activities and strictly adhere to the rules and regulations put in place for your safety, wellbeing and the smooth conduct of the programme,” he said.

Highlighting the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) Programme, Mr Sanwo-Olu said the initiative was aimed at preparing corps members for self-reliance and long-term economic empowerment.

He encouraged them to fully embrace the programme, stressing that it was designed to enhance employability and build entrepreneurial capacity, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers.

The governor further charged the corps members to remain disciplined, committed and exemplary in conduct, while also building meaningful friendships and networks that would be valuable throughout their lives.

Mr Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, alongside her management team and camp officials, for the smooth take-off of the orientation course, describing their efforts as commendable.

He wished the corps members a hitch-free orientation exercise and a rewarding and impactful service year, before formally declaring the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream I Orientation Course in Lagos State open.

Earlier in her address, the Lagos State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, congratulated the 6,664 corps members deployed to Lagos State, as well as those posted to Kwara, Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti States from the Lagos orientation camp.

She commended the corps members for the successful completion of their academic programmes and for responding to the call to serve the nation through the NYSC scheme.

Mrs Salmwang also disclosed that renovation works had commenced at the Iyana-Ipaja temporary orientation camp, aimed at upgrading facilities and improving the welfare of corps members.

She expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its sustained support of the NYSC scheme and youth development initiatives, and wished the corps members a safe, fulfilling and rewarding service year.