The Lagos State government has charged corps members deployed to the state to embrace entrepreneurship, civic responsibility and national service as pathways toward self-reliance, economic growth and development.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the charge on Monday.

He spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of 9,960 corps members for the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream I, at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja.

The governor was represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that corps members had a critical role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic values and advancing national development through responsible citizenship and active participation in nation-building.

“As young Nigerians, you have an important role in sustaining democratic ideals through active citizenship, civic responsibility and unwavering commitment to national development,” he said.

The governor said the recent Democracy Day celebration offered an opportunity for reflection on sacrifices made by patriots who struggled tirelessly for democratic governance and national advancement.

He said that the annual event reinforced patriotism, responsible citizenship, justice, inclusion and national unity.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also reflected on the 53rd anniversary of the NYSC scheme.

He noted that corps members had continued making meaningful contributions across education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sustainability and community service.

He added that the dedication and sacrifices demonstrated by generations of corps members had left enduring legacies.

Identifying unemployment and economic uncertainty as persistent challenges, Mr Sanwo-Olu urged corps members to acquire practical skills capable of enhancing self-reliance, wealth creation and sustainable livelihoods.

“I encourage you to participate actively in the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme which provides knowledge, competencies and entrepreneurial mindset for future economic success,” he said.

In his capacity as chairman of the NYSC Governing Board in Lagos, Mr Ogunlende acknowledged accommodation challenges arising from the deployment of a large number of corps members and the limited capacity of the orientation camp.

“The large number of corps members deployed presents challenges because of limited space, making expansion of orientation facilities increasingly necessary,” Mr Ogunlende said.

He expressed optimism that an orientation camp under construction at Agbowa, Ikorodu, would be completed soon to improve accommodation and welfare for corps members.

“The contractors have assured us that the facility will be completed before year-end.

“It will provide future corps members with a more comfortable environment for service,” he added.

Earlier, the state Coordinator of NYSC, Christiana Salmwang, disclosed that 9,960 corps members, comprising 3,818 males and 6,142 females, were formally inducted into the scheme.

According to Ms Salmwang, 3,938 corps members will participate in the orientation course in Lagos, while 6,022 were relocated to neighbouring states because of the camp’s limited capacity.

She told the corps members that national service was both a privilege and a responsibility.

She urged them to take full advantage of the orientation course to prepare physically, mentally and socially for national service.

Ms Salmwang emphasised the importance of personal safety, warning corps members against unauthorised and night journeys, while assuring them that their welfare and security would remain top priorities. 

(NAN)