Lagos State has applauded corps members for their active role in a three-week NYSC orientation and urged them to keep the values they learned through the service year and beyond.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Tuesday at the passing-out ceremony for the 2026 Batch B, Stream I orientation at the NYSC temporary camp in Iyana-Ipaja.
Sanwo-Olu said the NYSC motto “Service and Humility” should guide the corps members’ actions and decisions. He urged them to put Nigeria’s interest above personal concerns, saying their work now will help the nation later.
Represented by Mrs. Oluwatoyin Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, the governor also asked employers to give corps members a good working environment during their service year. He noted that corps members are development partners whose innovation, energy and fresh perspectives will benefit organisations across the state. The government, he added, remains committed to their safety and well-being and will keep recognising those who distinguish themselves with exceptional service and community impact.
Earlier, Mrs. Christina Salmwang, NYSC Lagos State Coordinator, said the corps members had received the training needed to perform credibly. She urged them to help their host communities, embrace unity and teamwork, and avoid tribal, ethnic and religious sentiments. Salmwang said activities such as the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme, motivational talks and social events were meant to prepare them. She praised their discipline and camp participation and expects them to excel in their primary and secondary assignments under the scheme’s ideals.
Meanwhile, stakeholders declined to comment on the Federal Executive Council’s approval to review the NYSC scheme. The reform is expected to start with a broad multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination. (NAN)
