By Blessing Chinagorom
The Lagos State Government has announced sum of N5 billion allocated for construction of a new Permanent Site for National Youth Service Corps NYSC Orientation camp in the state.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made this disclosure at the Passing-Out Parade of 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream One Corps Members at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos on Tuesday.
The vote was earmarked to accelerate the development of the site in response to the constraints of space yearly experienced at the current orientation facility in Iyana Ipaja.
A total of 4,277 Corps members were posted to Lagos for the Batch ‘B’ Stream One orientation, but only 2,822 graduates could be accommodated in the Iyana Ipaja camp. Others were camped in Ogun and Osun.
According to him, “I am pleased to share some significant developments for our beloved NYSC community here in Lagos.
“We are always committed to supporting our youth and I am happy to announce a sum of N5 billion allocated for the construction of a new Permanent Site for the Lagos NYSC Camp”, the Governor added.
Sanwo-Olu also annouced that each corps member passing out today will receive N100,000 for recognizing their dedication and hard work.
He said, “This token of appreciation is in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the development of Lagos over the past year, bringing their expertise from all over Nigeria to serve in various capacities.
Lagos State Governor also revealed that a new initiative to reward excellence has been introduced, saying the best one hundred corpers after their service year will receive automatic employment into the Lagos Public Service.
He said, “This is our way of recognizing and nurturing the talents that will lead us into the future. Additionally, we have provided a 32-seater Hyundai bus to enhance transportation for the corpers.
“This is just the beginning of many more initiatives aimed at making the NYSC experience in Lagos a memorable and impactful one. Together, we are building a Greater Lagos”, the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu advised the youths to show high level of responsibility in dealing with challenging situations they may find themselves in, cautioning them to avoid incendiary narratives propagated through social media.
He said: “As you leave this camp, remember that the road ahead is illuminated with possibilities. You have been equipped with new skills, new perspectives and the determination to create a positive impact.
“The experiences you have gained over the last three weeks have prepared you to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. You must show high level of discipline and responsibility.
Don’t be pushed by things that happen on social media. It is not everything you see on social media that is real. You’ve equipped to be discerning and not to follow the trend. I urge you to exemplify lessons of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork that you have imbibed during your time in the camp.”
Lagos NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, thanked the Governor for the largesse and his commitment to ensure the new permanent site of the scheme is completed, describing Sanwo-Olu’s visit as “historic moment” that would be remembered in the service.
Baderinwa said the completion of the Agbowa camp would help the State’s NYSC operations return to normal and address logistics shortfall arising from movement of personnel to neighbouring states due to space constraints.
She said the Corps members passing out underwent extensive physical training and mental exercise, including paramilitary drills, martial art, Man O War training, language tests, security lectures and skill acquisition courses among others.
