Sanwo-Olu pledges rewards, tasks corps members on PPA impact

By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Lagos State Government says it will reward deployed members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), who distinguish themselves through exemplary service and meaningful contributions to the state.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Batch C Stream I Orientation Course the NYSC Temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja.

Sanwo-Olu said diligence, discipline and outstanding performance deserved recognition, urging corps members to give their best and remain committed to excellence.

“The Lagos State Government remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence, we believe that diligence, discipline and outstanding performance deserve encouragement,” he said.

The governor encouraged the corps members to leverage the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme learnt in the orientation camp to acquire practical skills and establish businesses.

He said entrepreneurship offered pathways to self-reliance and wealth creation amid persistent unemployment in the society.

“The skills you acquire can help you establish viable businesses, explore available funding opportunities and, in time, create employment for others,” he added.

Sanwo-Olu also called on corps members to contribute to development in education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental sanitation and social services during the period.

He said their impact should be measured by the lives they touched and the positive changes they brought to their host communities and place of primary assignment.

The governor,however, commended the NYSC State Coordinator, camp officials, security personnel and other stakeholders for ensuring the successful conduct of the three-week orientation course.

Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development.

Earlier, the NYSC Lagos Coordinator, Mrs Christiana Salmwang, applauded Sanwo-Olu for supporting the renovation of the temporary orientation camp at Iyana-Ipaja and construction of a permanent camp at Agbowa, Ikorodu.

“We appreciate Gov. Sanwo-Olu for his timely intervention in renovating the temporary NYSC Orientation Camp at Iyana-Ipaja and supporting the permanent camp project at Agbowa,” she said.

Salmwang charged corps members to prioritise safety, patriotism and national unity throughout their service year.

She said their service would be measured by their character and contributions to their host communities.

“The true measure of your service will be reflected in your character, the lives you touch, the challenges you help address and your positive contributions to communities,” she said.

“The true measure of your service will be reflected in your character, the lives you touch, the challenges you help address and your positive contributions to communities,” she said.

She urged them to serve diligently, respect host communities, traditions, customs, rise above ethnic, religious and cultural differences, adding, “be committed, take cognisance of community beliefs, let the spirit of unity, mutual respect and cooperation guide you,”.

Salmwang encouraged corps members to participate in the post-camp SAED programme to develop entrepreneurial abilities and pursue financial independence.

The coordinator cautioned them against unauthorised journeys and night travel, stressing that their personal safety remained a priority.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some corps members and camp officials received certificates of recognition for their outstanding performance during the orientation course.

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa