National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Lilian Edward, Lagos
Lagos State is set to complete a new Orientation Camp to accommodate all National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state for their mandatory one-year national service.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved N5 billion for constructing the new NYSC Permanent Camp in Agbowa, Ikorodu Division.
This funding aims to address space constraints at the current orientation facility in Iyana Ipaja, which recently could only accommodate 2,822 of the 4,277 Corps members posted to Lagos for the Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 orientation, forcing the rest to be camped in Ogun and Osun.
Speaking at the End of Orientation Parade for the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 Corps members in Iyana Ipaja, Sanwo-Olu announced the fund approval to accelerate the camp’s construction.
He promised continuous funding and completion of the project before the end of his tenure, a pledge that was met with excitement.
Additionally, Sanwo-Olu offered automatic employment in Lagos State’s civil service to 100 Corps members who distinguish themselves during their service year.
He also donated a 32-seater operational bus and gave N100,000 cash gifts to each Corps member passing out from the orientation.
“The Lagos NYSC deserves a befitting permanent site to accommodate everyone posted to our state.
We have approved N5 billion this year to start full development of the NYSC permanent site in Agbowa. Before the end of this administration, the site will be ready to host thousands of Corps members,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu praised the Corps members’ sense of responsibility and hard work, adopting the current batch as his own and pledging to monitor their efforts.
He urged them to embrace the objectives of national service, emphasizing the importance of exploring the country’s diversity to foster national unity.
The Governor described the Lagos orientation camp as a “microscopic representation” of Nigeria’s diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, advising the youths to act responsibly and avoid inflammatory narratives on social media.
“As you leave this camp, remember that the road ahead is filled with possibilities.
You have been equipped with new skills, perspectives, and the determination to create a positive impact.
Show discipline and responsibility, and don’t be swayed by social media trends,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Lagos NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Yetunde Baderinwa, thanked the Governor for his support and commitment to completing the new permanent site.
She highlighted the importance of the Agbowa camp in addressing logistical challenges and normalizing NYSC operations in the state.
The event featured a review of the parade by Governor Sanwo-Olu, who also took the salute from Corps members during the slow march and quick march.
