Sanwo-Olu Urges 7,887 Corps Members to Tackle Unemployment with Enterprise

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on young Nigerians to leverage entrepreneurship as the most effective way to tackle the nation’s rising unemployment, declaring that self-reliance and innovation are critical to turning today’s graduates into tomorrow’s wealth creators.

Speaking on Tuesday at the official closing ceremony of the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream II National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Course in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos, represented by Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, Commissioner of Youth and Social Development, urged the nearly 8,000 corps members deployed to Lagos to take seriously the skills and business training they received during camp.

“We all know that unemployment remains a major challenge in our nation today, and the most effective antidote is entrepreneurship development, which will not only make you self-reliant but also turn you into wealth creators and employers of labour,” the Governor said.

He noted that the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, a core component of NYSC orientation, was designed to equip young Nigerians with practical tools to start their own enterprises, access funding opportunities, and build sustainable livelihoods.

Sanwo-Olu, who described the Lagos State Government as “youth-promoting,” restated his administration’s commitment to supporting enterprising corps members. He pledged that exceptional performance during service would continue to be recognized and rewarded.

“Although this selfless commitment may not immediately yield visible rewards, it will provide you with the requisite experience to face future challenges,” he told the graduating corps members. “Increase your visibility by proactively engaging in thoughts and actions that will create a pathway to greatness.”

Earlier, the Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Christiana Salmwang lauded the corps members for demonstrating discipline, patriotism, and readiness to serve across the state’s twenty local government areas. She confirmed that the orientation had trained participants not only in civic responsibility and leadership but also in entrepreneurial skills that could transform their career prospects.

“You have been equipped with diverse skills, from professional training to entrepreneurship, and I urge you to apply these in improving the lives of those in your host communities,” she said.

Mrs. Salmwang also warned corps members against the misuse of social media, emphasizing that their focus should remain on contributing positively to national development.

The event marked the end of a three-week intensive orientation course that combined military drills, civic education, and entrepreneurship workshops. The corps members will now proceed to their primary assignments across Lagos and other adjoining states.

The closing ceremony also featured the presentation of a commendation letter to the State Coordinator by the Director of the Southwest Area Office 2, Mrs. Fransscica Olaleye, as well as to other deserving corps members and staff.

Sanwo-Olu concluded his address by formally declaring the orientation course closed and wishing the participants a successful and impactful service year.