Mr Babatunde Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, on Monday, reassured the authority of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) of measures being put in place to have a befitting permanent camp for the scheme in the state.
The governor stated this during the official closing and end of orientation course for the 2019 Batch C Stream 1 orientation for corps members deployed to the state.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Relations, Dr. Jimoh Yusuph, said, “I wish to put on record that this administration is very conscious of the rising number of corps members deployed to Lagos State, hence we are putting in place all measures towards the construction of a befitting permanent orientation camp that can accommodate a large number of corps members deployed to the centre of excellence.”
The governor called on employers of corps members in the state to accept the young graduates posted to their organisations, assist them to settle down and ensure the provision of adequate welfare for them during the national service.
READ ALSO: Dress code: We won’t Undermine Rights Of Individuals Or Institutions — NYSC boss
To the corps members, Sanwo-Olu said, “I want to assure you of the excellent hospitality of the good people of the state. Your welfare, especially security, is our priority. I implore you as a father, to be security conscious in your host communities, as security is a collective responsibility of both the government and its citizens.”
He charged the corps members to uphold the objective of the scheme to foster unity among the diverse ethnic nationalities through vibrant participation in the nation’s call to duty.
Earlier, Lagos State Coordinator of the scheme, Mr Sunday Aroni, said the 2,540 registered and trained for the batch had been properly groomed for the next phase of the service year.
“Throughout this period, these smart and vibrant Nigerians had training in military drills, leadership skills, martial arts, skills acquisition and entrepreneurship development, managerial and career-building skills. They were also exposed to series of lectures aimed at preparing them adequately for the task of nation-building during and after national service.
“It is heartwarming to inform you that these young patriots exhibited a high sense of humility and dedication during their stay in camp. They selflessly and diligently participated in the camp administration which contributed immensely to the success of this orientation course,” he added.
Aroni charged the corps members to diligently work towards perfecting the skills learnt on camp and actualise the dream of self-reliant, wealth creation and employment generation.
According to him, the various platforms introduced by both the state and the Federal Government to assist in setting up a small and medium scale businesses through loans from the Lagos State Fund, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bank of Industry (BoI) are waiting to assist.
He warned the corps member to desist from acts capable of denting the image of the scheme and extension of their families, even as he encouraged them to be agent of positive change and be good ambassadors in their respective places of primary assignments.
He lauded Sanwo-Olu’s support for his unrivalled support to the scheme, the NYSC State Governing Board for their commitment towards the welfare of corps members, the security agents, celebrities and the Agege community for being receptive and provision of a peaceful environment for the camp community.
