The Lagos State government has commended corps members for their active participation in the just-concluded three-week orientation course and urged them to sustain the values and qualities acquired during the service year and beyond.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation in his address on Tuesday during the passing-out ceremony of the 2026 Batch B, Stream I orientation exercise held at the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said that the NYSC motto, “Service and Humility,” should continue to guide the corps members’ conduct and decisions.

He urged them to always place the interest of Nigeria above personal considerations, knowing that their service today would contribute to the nation’s progress tomorrow.

The governor, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development, Oluwatoyin Osanyintolu, also appealed to employers to provide conducive environments for corps members during their service year.

According to him, corps members are development partners whose innovation, energy and fresh perspectives will benefit organisations across the state.

He said that the government remained committed to their safety and overall well-being.

He added that the state would continue to recognise and reward corps members who distinguished themselves through exceptional service, impactful community development initiatives and outstanding contributions to the growth and development of the state.

Earlier, the NYSC Lagos State coordinator, Christina Salmwang, expressed confidence that the corps members had received adequate training that would enable them to perform credibly.

Ms Salmwang also encouraged the corps members to contribute meaningfully to their host communities, embrace unity and teamwork, and shun tribal, ethnic and religious sentiments throughout their service year.

She said that the activities they underwent, including skill acquisition and entrepreneurship development programme, motivational talks and social activities, were carefully designed to prepare them for the responsibilities ahead.

According to her, the corps members demonstrated a high level of discipline and actively participated in camp administration throughout the orientation period.

She expressed confidence that they would perform excellently in their places of primary and secondary assignments, guided by the ideals and objectives of the scheme.

Meanwhile, stakeholders declined to comment on the Federal Executive Council’s approval of the review of the NYSC scheme.

The anticipated reform process is expected to begin through a broad-based multi-stakeholder review involving the Federal Ministry of Education and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination.

(NAN)