Hundreds of National Youth Service Corps members in Lagos, on Tuesday, braved a heavy downpour to participate at the closing ceremony of their orientation programme.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the corps members are in the 2023 Batch B stream.
Although the rain had begun at the start of the event on Tuesday morning, they endured it to complete their parade.
Addressing the corp members, the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed the need to be focused and leave positive impact in their places of primary assignment and host communities.
He also advised them to develop skills they acquired during the orientation, while assuring them 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.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented by a Permanent Secretary in Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Sesan Ogundeko, .
On her part, the Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC, Yetunde Baderinwa, said that the corps members underwent various trainings including skills acquisition and language, motivational and security lectures, adding that they engaged in social activities and para-military drills.
She said the rationale for the activities organised for youth corp members was to instill the scheme’s core values, which include patriotism, integrity, efficiency, commitment and teamwork.
Mrs 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 emphasized the importance of obeying the 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.” (NAN)
