LAGOS- Hundreds of National Youth Service Corps members deployed to Lagos, on Tuesday, defied heavy rainfall to participate in marching at the closing of their orientation programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corps members are in the 2023 Batch B stream.
They completed their parade in spite of the downpour which started at the commencement of the event on Tuesday morning.
In his address, the state Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu charged the corps members to be focused and leave footprints in their places of primary assignment and host communities.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mr Sesan Ogundeko, Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations.
Sanwo-Olu advised the corps members to develop skills they acquired during the orientation.
He said that they could access loans through various funding options established to empower youths with start-up funds, to grow their businesses.
“I urge you to strive and put in your best with the aim of living an indelible mark in the area of healthcare delivery, educational services, environment beautification, social services and agriculture.
“By so doing, you will be contributing your quotas towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Although this selfless commitment might not immediately yield fruits, you would have acquired requisite experience to withstand any challenge you might encounter in the journey of life,” he said.
Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Yetunde Baderinwa, said that the corps members underwent various trainings including skills acquisition and language, motivational and security lectures.
She added that they engaged in social activities and para-military drills.
She said that the activities were put in place to instill core values of the scheme in the youths.
She listed the values to include patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.
Baderinwa expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to live up to expectations.
“You have exhibited the part of the NYSC anthem that says: ‘Under the sun and in the rain’.
“I commend you all for that, in addition to your dedication and discipline during the orientation.
“I am optimistic that as you move to the next stage of the service year, primary and secondary assignments, you will perform excellently, having been properly intimated about the tenets of the NYSC scheme,” she added.
She noted that it was fundamental for the corps members to obey rules and regulations of the scheme, warning that erring corps members would be penalised in line with the NYSC byelaws.
“Let the motto of NYSC guide you, service and humanity resonate in you and guide your actions as you serve our fatherland.
“Be good ambassadors of your families and the scheme in your places of primary assignments and communities,” she said.
The coordinator praised corporate organisations which sponsored social and sporting events which, she said, added colour to the orientation programme.
‘”We remain grateful to One Data for providing free internet access for the camp community,” she said. (NAN)
