Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged newly inducted National Youth Service Corps members to uphold their oath of allegiance, emphasizing the scheme’s role in promoting national unity and socio-economic development. The governor made this statement during the official swearing-in of 2026 Batch A, Stream 1, at the NYSC temporary orientation camp in Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.
The NYSC scheme, established to foster national unity and socio-economic development, brings together young Nigerians from diverse backgrounds to internalize the National Pledge and Oath of Allegiance. This enables them to sustain and surpass the achievements of previous generations in national service. The governor highlighted the importance of discipline, active participation in camp activities, and strict adherence to camp rules to ensure safety, wellbeing, and a smooth conduct of the Orientation Course.
The Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme is a key platform for self-reliance, enhanced employability, and long-term economic empowerment of corps members. This programme equips corps members with practical skills, enhances employability, and promotes entrepreneurship, empowering them to become job creators and contributors to sustainable socio-economic development.
Representing the governor, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, emphasized the significance of the NYSC scheme in strengthening national unity and peaceful coexistence. The State Coordinator, NYSC Lagos, Christina Salmwang, noted that 6,648 corps members had been fully registered and accommodated, with some dislodged to neighboring states for the orientation course.
The orientation course is designed to prepare corps members physically, mentally, and morally for the responsibilities of national service. Salmwang warned against cultism and drug abuse, emphasizing that offenders would be decamped. She expressed gratitude to the Lagos state government for its unwavering support and commitment, particularly for the renovation work in the orientation camp.
The oath of allegiance was administered by the Chief Judge of Lagos state, Justice Ajorin Ajose. The renovation work, which includes plumbing and toilet facilities in the female hostel and the camp hall, aims to improve camp facilities and enhance the welfare of corps members and camp officials. The Lagos state government’s support for the NYSC scheme underscores its commitment to promoting national unity and socio-economic development through youth empowerment.
