The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the three-week Orientation Course of 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II held at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-Ipaja.
He urged the corps members to carry the discipline, patriotism, resilience and spirit of service gained from the camp into their Places of Primary Assignment.
“Government can create opportunities but young people must seize them, because Nigeria needs your ideas, courage, creativity, resilience and belief in a better future built through collective action,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor urged the corps members to be innovative, resourceful and solution-driven, rather than merely complaining about societal challenges.
He also also encouraged them to take advantage of the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to acquire skills and explore enterprise opportunities.
“Do not merely complain about the challenges confronting our society; ask yourselves what you can do about them and become innovative, resourceful and solution-driven wherever you serve,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also assured corps members of the state government’s commitment to working with NYSC authorities and security agencies to ensure their safety and welfare.
According to him, when this service year is over, I want you to look back and say: I served, I contributed, I made a difference, and that is your legacy. Endeavour to leave every community better than they met it.
Gov. Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Youth and Social Development Pharm. (Mrs) Toyin Oke-Osanyitolu.
Earlier, The State Coordinator, NYSC Lagos, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, advised the corps members to uphold discipline, patriotism and integrity as they commenced the next phase of their service year.
The state coordinator also, encouraged corps members to accept their postings with humility and serve with dedication, commitment and responsibility in their PPA and communities.
“I urge you to accept your postings with humility and patriotism, settle down promptly, and serve with dedication, commitment, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to Nigeria,” she added.
She cautioned them against indiscipline, unauthorised and night journeys, urging them to remain vigilant, protect their personal information and seek appropriate permission whenever travel becomes unavoidable.
“Remain vigilant at all times, avoid unauthorised and night journeys, protect your personal information, and seek appropriate permission whenever travel becomes unavoidable during your service year,” she added.
Salmwang also appreciated the Lagos state government, residents, partners, collaborating agencies, NYSC officials and the media for their support toward the success of the orientation course.
